Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Child’s Swim Skills

Swimming is one of the most exciting activities that people can enjoy alone or with others during their free time. Knowing how to swim is crucial because you never know when you might need this lifesaving skill when you or someone else is in a dire situation. For this reason, many parents enroll their children in swimming lessons as young as age two so they can learn to swim as early as possible. While most kids will learn how to swim quickly because they are young and teachable, some will catch on faster than others and leave parents wondering why. Here are four ways to help you have realistic expectations of your child’s swimming ability.

Do Not Compare One Child to Another

Every child is unique, and you should never compare to others. The best way to set the right expectations for your child is to learn who he or she is individually, and forget about all the other kids, including siblings. Learn your child’s abilities, temperaments, strengths, weaknesses, and needs so you can find a way to help them achieve realistic goals.

Adjust Your Expectations to their Level

If your child is afraid to get into a bathtub, chances are swimming pools will elicit the same anxiety, if not more. Knowing all about your child and the developmental stage they are at will help you know where to start and what to expect for the future. Don’t expect to go straight from A to Z without hitting every letter in between.

Lead by Example

Kids are very malleable and impressed by their parents. The best way to know what to expect from your child is to do things with them and set a good example. You can start by showing them how to do certain activities together to build their confidence and skill level.  Once they are comfortable and building self-esteem, start letting go of the reins and let them be more independent. Coach them through any anxious feelings and let them know you are still there for them no matter what.

Leave the Graphs and Charts Alone

Do not pay too much attention to those charts and graphs that say where a child should be at every age. As we said earlier, every child is different and will grow and develop at their own pace. At Into the Swim, classes consist of 2 to 3 students per instructor, matched together according to age, skill, maturity, and comfort in the water in order to understand each student at a personal level. All classes go at a pace the students can handle so no one is held back or forced to be a swimmer more than they can handle at that time.

For over 15 years, Into the Swim has been providing fulfilling and fun swimming lessons in New Jersey for adults, kids, and infants across the country. We pride ourselves in putting safety first; our instructors are highly experienced and the indoor pools are heated to create a conducive learning environment. We also have swim lessons for infants and parents, as well as for people with disabilities, and those who are afraid of water.

If you’re interested in teaching your child how to swim, chose a company that sets realistic goals and has years of experience. Your child will be more comfortable and proficient in the water.