Parents often enroll their sons or daughters in a swimming school for kids or swim teams to teach them a much needed skill or to improve their physical fitness. While these are important reasons to get into the pool, kids often do not see it that way. When it seems like Mom or Dad is forcing them to do something, children often become less interested or try to rebel.
The key to keeping your child in a swimming program is to make them the owners of their own success. Not sure how to get started? Here are a few tips.
Discuss Goals
Your child could have been spending time in the pool since they were taking toddler swimming lessons, but if they don’t know why they are still participating in swim programs, they may not be there for much longer. It’s time to get your child to think about what they want to get out of swimming. Do they want to become a fast competitor? Or do they just want to maintain their skills? Being able to answer that question is a very adult thing to do, and your child will appreciate your willingness to trust their judgment.
Be a Cheerleader, Not the Coach
Nothing pushes kids to quit an activity faster than an overbearing parent. If you scrutinize your child’s every stroke and turn, it’s time to stop. Coaches and swim instructors are there to perform that job. The role of the parent is to be a source of encouragement. It is important to tell your child that you are proud of him or her and what they are trying to accomplish. You should enjoy watching your child swim. It shouldn’t feel like you’re working.
Allow them to take responsibility
Once they reach a certain age, children are able to do some basic tasks for themselves. One task could be to prepare for their swim classes on their own. Letting your child pack everything they need for a lesson and putting the task on them to make sure that they get to the pool on time can help your child feel like they are in charge of this activity. If the parents aren’t running the show, they may want to stick with swimming longer.
Be involved in the community
You’re not the only parent with a boy or girl in a swimming school for kids. Maybe it’s time to get involved with these other moms and dads instead of dropping your child off and heading back home. Volunteering for events or just socializing with the other adults at the pool, shows your child that you care about your child’s swim community as a whole.
Give them space
Participating in swim lessons or joining a competitive team is also an opportunity for fun. Allow your child to socialize and cultivate new friendships without your input. As stated above, kids need a reason to or a goal that they want to pursue in swimming. For certain children, that goal may be to make new friends. Those new and positive people in your child’s life may become the most important reason why they continue to participate in swimming. There’s no need to constantly be at your child’s side when there are other people that they can spend time with.
Zodiac offers wide variety of programming for all ages. From toddler swimming lessons to teen courses, there is something for everyone. If you’re seeking a way to improve your child’s desire to swim, visit our website http://www.zodiackids.ca/ today to learn more about our fun and exciting options!
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