Teaching your children certain lessons in life at an early age can provide multiple benefits. Parent-tot swim lessons help get parents and babies into the water together. Taught through many community recreational organizations and health club facilities, these classes provide an opportunity for parents to share their enjoyment of the water with their youngsters.
Purpose
Enrolling your toddler in a parent-tot swimming class can help accustom him to the water at an early age. Spending regular time with him in physical activities, such as swimming, can also help you teach him the importance of regular physical exercise. Health clubs and community swimming centers often advertise their parent-tot swim classes as a way to promote water safety, build water confidence and help develop a bond between parent and child.
Method
Although classes may vary depending on instructors and programs, parent-tot swimming classes often take participants as young as 6 months of age. The rules often require babies to wear tight plastic or rubber pants over or under a tight-fitting swimsuit, rather than disposable diapers that can create excess weight when wet. Parents may learn the correct holding positions and receive basic instructions regarding rescue breathing. Infants may receive instructions on entering and exiting the water, blowing bubbles, floating and kicking.
Follow-Up
While parent-toddler classes can provide the initial tools regarding water safety and swimming instructions, parents can continue the lessons at home by reminding toddlers and young children how to behave around ponds and fountains. The Fairfax County Park Authority in Fairfax, Va. recommends helping your child by playing with her around the water and getting her to blow bubbles and hide her face during bath time. Continue to encourage water safety and swimming development by enrolling your child in age-appropriate swimming lessons as she grows.
Warning
Don't mistake a parent-toddler swimming class as a substitute for keeping a vigilant eye on your child whenever water is nearby. Children under the age of 4 years do not have the ability to swim independently or master water survival skills. Stay close to your child and use a government-approved personal flotation device on your child anytime he is near the water.
Member Comments