What to Expect in Infant and Toddler Parent-Assisted Classes at Marsden Swim School

As a parent, watching your child take their first splashes in the water is a special moment. At Marsden Swim School, we are dedicated to making these moments safe, fun, and enriching for both you and your little one. Our infant and toddler parent-assisted swimming lessons are thoughtfully designed to introduce your child to the water while fostering a deep bond between you. Here’s everything you need to know before your first session and key pointers to make the most of your experience.

Creating a Routine: Countdown or Countup

Establishing a consistent routine helps children feel more secure during swimming lessons. Using a countdown (3, 2, 1) or a countup (1, 2, 3) before starting any activity provides clear anticipation and readiness. Incorporating different languages for numerals can also help broaden their learning experience. Encouraging children to participate in the countdown themselves fosters independence and excitement.

Helping Your Child Adjust: The Crying Game

It’s not uncommon for children to show reluctance in subsequent lessons after an initial positive experience. This may stem from an unfounded fear of the unknown. Parents can help by:

• Staying calm and using reassuring words.
• Allowing the child to observe from the water’s edge while still getting wet.
• Revisiting familiar and comfortable activities like blowing bubbles.
• Maintaining consistency in lesson attendance to establish a sense of routine.

At home, practice water play and discuss lessons positively to help your child acclimate. When arriving at the swim school, change them quickly and head straight to the pool to minimize anxiety. Delaying entry can sometimes create more apprehension.

Building Confidence with Submergence

Introducing submergence can be daunting for some children, but with the right steps, it becomes a natural progression:

1. Start with simple bubble-blowing exercises to help them feel comfortable with their face near the water.
2. Gradually pour small amounts of water over their heads while they blow bubbles, increasing the flow and duration as their confidence grows.
3. Make it playful by allowing the child to pour water over the parent or coach’s head, turning it into a fun bonding activity.

Always provide verbal encouragement, maintain eye contact, and keep the experience lighthearted to reduce fear and build trust.

Encouraging Effective Kicking Techniques

Kicking is a fundamental swimming skill, and children may exhibit different styles as they learn. Initially, let them kick vigorously to expend energy, which often leads to a more natural and efficient straight-legged kick with slight knee bends as they tire. For older children (around age 3), introduce variations like:

• Big Kicks: With more knee bend.
• Small Kicks: A more refined and ideal swimming technique.

Use the sound of splashes as feedback to teach them the quality of their kicks, making it an engaging and interactive learning process.

Progression Levels at Marsden Swim School

At Marsden Swim School, we follow a structured progression system to ensure that every child builds their confidence and skills at a comfortable pace:

1. Water Familiarization: Introducing the child to the water, focusing on fun and comfort.
2. Basic Water Skills: Developing foundational skills such as kicking, bubble-blowing, and assisted floating.
3. Submersion and Breath Control: Gradually building confidence in submergence and learning to control their breathing.
4. Independent Movement: Encouraging children to move independently in the water with minimal support.
5. Introduction to Stroke Development: Teaching basic techniques for future stroke progression.

Each level is designed to cater to your child’s specific needs, with personalized attention to ensure they feel confident and safe at every stage. For more details about each level, visit our Progression Levels page.

The Right Parental Attitude in the Pool

Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child’s swimming experience. Here are key tips for creating a supportive environment:

• Stay calm, encouraging, and curious to foster a playful atmosphere.
• Avoid showing frustration or overcorrecting; instead, focus on making the 30-minute lesson constructive and fun.
• Gradually transition from active participation to letting your child work independently with the coach as they grow older.
• Laugh off challenges with your child and celebrate their progress to build their confidence.

Understanding Gender-Based Learning Styles

As a parent and coach, it’s valuable to recognize that boys and girls may approach learning differently:

• Girls: Tend to build confidence and skills progressively, recalling lessons well, even during challenging moments. Celebrate small milestones and reinforce their ability to overcome challenges.
• Boys: Often rely on muscle memory and learn through repetition. Encourage hands-on activities and focus on practice to help them develop skills.

Why Choose Marsden Swim School?

At Marsden Swim School, we take pride in our child-centered swimming approach. Our parent-assisted classes are designed to create a safe and engaging environment where your child can develop essential aquatic skills. With AUSTSWIM-approved lessons and professional swim instructors, we ensure your experience is enriching and enjoyable.

Join Us Today!

Whether your goal is to introduce your little one to the joys of swimming or equip them with lifelong water safety skills, our infant and toddler parent-assisted classes are the perfect place to start. Contact Marsden Swim School today to learn more and book your spot. Let’s make a splash together!