Parent/Tot Swimming Lessons: How To Prepare For Success (And Fun!)

Water safety is something that virtually every parent worries about at some point in their child’s development. It’s no secret that spending time around water of any kind can be fun…but it can also pose potential risk for little ones who don’t have the skills needed to stay safe. Fortunately for most parents, peace of mind can be found by signing their little ones up for swimming lessons at their local indoor pool facility. Swimming lessons, when overseen by a skilled and trained instructor, can quickly help children stay as safe as possible in any water activity.

Swimming Lessons: How Young Is Too Young To Begin Taking Classes?

“How young is too young?” is a common concern for many parents looking to sign their child up for pool classes. However, many quality indoor pool centers eliminate parents’ fears by offering an ideal solution for first time swimming lessons: parent/tot sessions.

As the name implies, parent/tot sessions allows a guardian to get in the water with a child to help facilitate the learning process. A reputable facility will often offer parent/tot sessions for children as early as 6 months right through until about 3 years. By allowing parents into the water with their children, these classes can help children develop a lifelong love of various pool/shoreline activities as well the confidence needed to manage any water situation that they find themselves in.

Getting Ready To Have A Great Time With Your Little One

As with any type of instructional activity you engage in with your little one, it’s important to carefully plan and prepare for success. When getting ready for your swimming lessons, it’s important to:

Find a qualified facility: Where you take your lessons can play a key role in the type of experience you have with your little swimmer. Look for an established facility that offers certified and experienced instructors to know that you’re putting your child on the path to success.

Get the right gear: Having a comfortable bathing suit is a must during swimming lessons. If it’s a colder seasonal month, have your child try on his/her suit to determine whether it fits, or if you’ll have to purchase one before the session begins. Children who aren’t potty trained may need to wear swim diapers during their lesson. Additionally, you’ll also want to pack a bag of dry clothes for both of you so you’ll be able to change after your class is over.

Remember who the student is: Yes, you will be in the pool with your child throughout the session; however, it’s critical to remember that it’s the little ones who are being taught. As an adult, it may seem to you that the instructor is going over the same pointers too often; however, repetitive instruction can help reinforce important points to your little one.

Know that you are your children’s advocate: Sure, the teacher is an expert on all things pool related; however, you’re the expert on your child. If you feel like he or she is overly anxious about spending time in the water, or there are certain activities that you aren’t comfortable with, talk with the teacher about how to modify them so your child can work at her own pace.

Have FUN!: Finally, don’t forget that while this is a learning experience for your child, it’s also a time to have fun! Spending this time together poolside is a great way to have fun and make memories, all while building confidence in the water.

Are you looking for parent/tot swimming lessons in Aurora? The DuPage Swimming Center can help. We proudly offers parent/tot instructional sessions for children as young as 6 months all the way through to 3 years! Our skilled and experienced instructors can help your little one build a lifelong love of the water.