How To Be A Good Parent When Your Child Takes Swimming Lessons
In virtually every type of youth sports, there are parents who set a good example and those who do not. When you enroll your child in swimming lessons, it's important that you act in a manner that will put yourself in the former category, rather than the latter. Although you may have some feelings of anxiety about your child taking part in a new activity, it's important for you to manage these feelings in a constructive way, rather than allow them to get the better of you and cause you to act in a manner that doesn't suit you or your child. Here are some tips to remember for being a good parent of a child in swimming lessons.
Be Punctual For Each Lesson
While being on time can sometimes be a challenge when you have children, it's ideal to aim to be at the swimming center well in advance of the designated start time for the lesson. Children can sometimes struggle in new environments, but getting to the pool early will allow you and your child to walk around, watch other swimmers, and get more comfortable with this setting. Additionally, you'll be able to get your child changed in a timely manner so that he or she is one of the first students out onto the pool deck.
Take A Step Back
You may be keen on trying to get involved in the swimming lessons, perhaps by remaining on the pool deck and shouting instructions to your child. Even if you have the best of intentions, this is behavior that isn't ideal. Doing so detracts from the instructor's message, and can be confusing your child and disruptive to the other students. Additionally, this behavior may lead to a conflict, as parents are generally not supposed to be involved in this manner. Although it may be difficult, it's in everyone's best interest if you can leave the pool area and watch the lessons through a window.
Get Advice For "Homework"
Be proactive by checking in with the swimming instructor after every couple lessons to assess your child's progress. Doing so is better than waiting until the lessons have concluded to learn how your child has fared. Many instructors will point out the strengths and weaknesses for each child, which will allow you to take your child to a community pool and work on the weaknesses together. This can help your child to excel in his or her lessons.
Contact a center, like YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, for more help.