As a parent, there are a few things you can do to ease your swimmer into their first lesson successfully. Throughout our 20 years of experience, we’ve found that the best way to a successful lesson is to ensure that parents feel confident, comfortable and excited about their child’s lesson with their new instructor.
Your child’s first lesson can be nerve-racking, here are some tips for parents to help with the first day:
Social story: The social story will entail what the day will look like from the parents driving to the pool to the locker room and then to their swim class. Check out the Swim Angelfish social story below:
Instructor call to the parents: Your child’s instructor will give you call to answer any of your questions or concerns prior to their first lesson. The instructor’s main goal during this phone call is to find out more information about child’s past swim experience and how they learn best. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have. Your instructor will strive to make you feel comfortable and confident for the upcoming lesson. You can expect some (or all) of the following questions:
- What is your child’s experience in the water?
- What kind of behaviors does your child exhibit when he/she is nervous or scared?
- How can I best communicate with your child?
- What kind of language works best for your child (first, then; “do this”; etc.)
- What are your family’s swim goals?
Visiting the swim school website: The website will be helpful for the parents to visit in order to help understand the core values and mission of Swim Angelfish. Our website will also help you determine what program is appropriate for your child. See our core values and roadblocks:
Talk to your swimmer: In most cases, the best way to prepare your child is to talk to them about the upcoming swimming lesson. You can work this into your social story while you discuss with your child what they can expect from a swimming lesson. If your child begins to perseverate on one topic (going under, splashing, etc), you can inform them that they can discuss anything that makes them nervous with their instructor. Remind them that their instructor will listen to their concerns and make sure that they are safe.
Emphasize that swimming is FUN! Try showing your swimmer our YouTube videos of children having success with swim strokes!
Hopefully by using these tips and tricks, your first lesson will be a splashing success! Please subscribe to our blog to be notified of new content every week!
