Right now we are 4 weeks into the session.... That went by so fast!!

A lot of the kiddos are starting to settle into their classes and surroundings. Other children may have realized what tasks we ask them to partake in each week and had some feelings about them this week. 

I love seeing parents meeting their children where they are. In the end the child is trying to express something to us; a fear, emotion or confusion. The hardest part is to remove yourself from their heightened emotions and ground ourselves first. 

Lets set a scene.....

It is 4pm and you just got home from work, running through the door. You and your husband scramble to get both you and the baby ready for class, plan what you are having for dinner, take the dog out for and walk then bolt in the car.

You drove a half hour to get to the pool, but you got there! Your child starts crying and you think "OH here we go."  I want you to pause your world for a moment- get down to your child level, look in their eyes- giving them a confident mantra- "We are brave, strong and kind. Let use those muscles in the water and splash me as much as you can!"

Then you lean into how your child will come down or express their emotions. 

These are my go to moves when a child is really upset.

#1 Talk, Walk then Stand

When you first get in the water walk with them either on your hip or on front.

Get low in the water with them so they can see you eye to eye when your speaking.

Speak in a slow low tone and talk about anything that you see, smell, feel etc.

Then walk towards the wall, grab a toy that might bring up more convo.

Then bring the toy or just your child back to the dock.

During that whole time you are talking, walking in the water with them.

Your thighs are burning by this point haha

Then have them stand on the dock.

Did they forget they have feet and can stand?

Turn them around to hold the bar like ballerina or sit on the dock with them.

#2 First and Then Language

When we use first and then in front of two step directions, it is easier for our child to follow them.

"First stand then kick to the wall."

To add on , "Great job!" "Lets do that two more time. Have them repeat with you (if they can) 1st stand the wall."

Now your child knows what to expect. Taking some mystery and fear out of the class.

#3 Play and Interact

There is a reason I teach group lessons. 

Peer models can be SO helpful when you are trying to work through a skill that can feel overwhelming.

Say 'Hi" to your neighbor, describe what they are doing, give them a high five!.

Maybe they both jump off the dock the same time?

Throw a water balloon and see who gets there first.

Children as well as adults learn through play.

It is the quickest way to form a skill or expectation for children.

 Try not to take your child out of class early unless you parent voice says they really need to.

Showing your child, we are just going to be in the water for 30 minutes but we don't have to do anything overly stressful.

#1 Lets Talk Wet Suits

Wetsuits can be worn if your child is too cold.

Lets be real, the water is not warm and if a wetsuit takes out one barrier to learn to swim then lets do it.

Here is my absolute favorite "WarmBelly Suits"

They do not have arms, so no restrictions.

They can also be adjusted in the shoulders and the crotch to grow with your child.

These should be fitted!

Measure your child before you order.

See you in the pool soon!

<3 Michaela