[ombra*luna]

I'm ashamed to admit that I was not the one who taught my older kids to swim. They didn't really learn until they went to summer camp and took swim lessons. I would like to teach ds to swim this summer (he's 3) - we live near a stream with a swimming hole, plus plan on taking a couple of water-related vacations, and I think it would be more fun for him if he could swim. How does one go about this? Any ideas?

 

[boobear]

My just-turned-three-year-old is doing extremely well in a swimming pool. Here's what's we've been doing the past 2 month (we have a pool in our complex and have been using it since mid-April), maybe it will give you some ideas. She was comfortable in the pool with a swim ring since last summer.

First, I started with breathing. I showed her to take a breath and blow out her nose (exaggerated motions on my part). Not terribly exciting for her.

Mother's day weekend she went underwater for the first time. I held her facing me (close, her legs around my waist) and said take a breath. She said no a few times but I convinced her quickly before she could think about it much. She liked it and we did it a few more times. Keeping the momentum, I had her straighten her legs and touch the bottom, that was too fun for her.

Two weeks later we swam with friends, a 5 yr old girl (who swims well) had goggles on and we borrowed them, that seemed to seal it.. my dd's confidence/skills exploded. Add to that some sinking swim toys (in particular a treasure chest with jewels and coins that sunk..boy was that cool) and she was diving down, with help, go grab the jewels off the bottom (3-4').

The next time we swam with goggles and jewels, she was diving down with me in the deep end (5') to get the treasure. She holds her breath really well. I force rests so she doesn't gag/choke on water.

After the next visit with our friends, my dd would push off from me and swim in a circle and then back to me. She really wants to swim like the big girls.

She's learning to swim by me pushing her off toward the steps. It started with only a kick or two by her and now she does several kicks (more distance).

Of note-disclaimer-precaution:
-My dd is NOT strong enough to get her head above water, I LIFT HER HEAD UP OUT OF THE WATER (I believe age 5 is when they can). I am very comfortable reading her and know her limits and am always within arm's reach. It only takes 4-6 minutes of lack of air to cause severe brain damage or death.

 

[Evan&Anna's_Mom]

I'm a really big believer in the idea that many children learn better from someone other than their parents. So for us, the answer is sign them up for swim lessons!

 

[sistermama]

I so agree about it being easier with others! I have taught lots of other people kids' to swim (nanny, camp, etc) but am having a much harder time with mine! The way I've gone about it with other people's kids and am now doing with mine is this (easier in a pool). I have ds jump into me from the side of the pool. I catch him closer and closer to the water until eventually he was going under and got used to it. Each time after he jumped in, I would have him "swim" back to the wall by getting him to stretch out and reach for the wall with his hands while I gave him a good shove. Eventually I will move further and further back from the wall so he has to get a little bit further on his own. I also got him a kickboard from walmart (under 3 bucks) so I can drag him around from the front of it and he can practice kicking.

 

[mammaguess]

I spent a fortune on swimming lessons for my oldest ds. Three years in a row, different instructors-->you name it I tried it.

Then we spent (not a vacation more like a torture event during the process of moving) three weeks at a hotel with a pool. Went nearly every day and it was amazing how much he picked up.

Fast forward to a year later and another move (only two weeks in the hotel) another hotel/pool situation but this time we followed it up with lots of swimming after we moved 3-6x a week. With very little direction he got it! And swims comfortable in 5ft deep water (he is 53 in tall and yes we are always in the pool with him) Meanwhile my 5yrold dd is sailing in the 3ft deep and I think that without a single lesson she will be swimming by the end of summer.

OTOH- I will probably still send all three dc to lessons to learn form and such.

 

[darkstar]

Teach them to float!! This is the best basic skill. I tought swimming for years, and this was the best. Then bubbles, kicking with a kickboard. Some kids are just natural swimmers too.

 

[aussiemum]

I personally have found that my kids are more willing to learn from someone else. If you're keen to do it yourself, I'll bet there are some good learn to swim websites out there to get tips from- AusSwim program comes to mind....

And FWIW, i've seen 2 1/2 yr olds swimming across pools & lifting their heads out of the water with no worries. I guess that must be why the Aussies take home so many gold medals in swimming at the Olympics.

No, seriously tho, I think that particular child was just gifted. My 3 1/2 yr old DS is quite capable of lifting his head out of the water, but he won't breathe even if his face is fully out.

. His swimming teacher says she's never seen a kid who can hold their breath as long as he can.......

 

[PikkuMyy]

My parents taught me to swim at the pool at Lasker Rink in Central Park, NYC when I was 4. They both took me, each holding a hand, and we practiced kicking, breathing, floating, etc. I'm happy I learned so young - it's always stayed with me, although I did take formal lessons for several years in elementary school.

 

[ombra*luna]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Soon as the stream warms up a little I'll be in there giving it a go. Dh has been teaching him a little in the tub (breath holding) and I know he's looking forward to swimming.

 

[kerc]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evan&Anna's_Mom I'm a really big believer in the idea that many children learn better from someone other than their parents. So for us, the answer is sign them up for swim lessons!

I agree!

 

[lauraess]

These are all great suggestions; Thanks Everyone!
Now, My ds is 6 and has always been very nervous about the water. This is just his way, he's quite sensitive to many things and hesitant to a fault until he "gets" something. anyway, He will not put his face in the water and attempt to hold his breath. He's getting more comfortable with the water, slowly and im trying real hard to not push him too much because that doesnt work for him. Any ideas ???? I really need help here because im not a great swimmer and so i fear he will not learn and I know how that feels.
laura