[Liew]

Dear Mommies,

I would like to enroll my son for the swimming classes couple of months later when he is one & the half year old. Could you please share with me your experience if you have done this before?

Cheers.

[laiyin]

Hi Liew

To cut a long story short, my son went from loving swimming to being very frightened of the pool (when he was 18mths old) to loving it again recently.



Liew, do you swim yourself? Both my hubby and I were competitive swimmers and qualified lifeguards during our school days. So my hubby was comfortable taking Linus to our apt pool (which is usually warm) when he was only 7 weeks old. It was very relaxing and good bonding time. I sang 'swimming' songs to him, walked piggy back around the pool, played beach toys, etc.



At about 6months old, he kicked away from me and swam on his own with the help of floaties. By about 1 year, he could swim a 25m lap, though not in a straight line.

When he was about 18mths old, I made a huge mistake. I engaged a reputable toddlers swimming coach to give him lessons. After 15minutes into the first lesson, he was crying and choking (which he never did b4) and for 4 months after that he refused to go near the pool and when we eventually revisited, he clung to me like a frightened monkey. From a toddler who was very comfortable with water (even underwater) to a tensed and suspicious child. What happened?

Mind you, the coach I still believe, technically is a very good one. I thought about it and realised that I should have had a brief with him b4 the first lesson. As with most coaches, they are eager to show results, so the 'teaching' started during the first lesson. There wasn't enough time taken to get acquainted with the child and thus no relationship and trust with the coach. Some kids are ok with that and others more cautious. You need to know your son's personality.

So, for more than 2 years, we reintroduced swimming gently and in a playful manner like before and never pressured him to go in if he doesn't want to. His enthusiasm returned and happily swam around again, though still in floaties.

About 7 months ago, a neighbour recommend another coach. I was hesitant but Linus indicated he would like to join his friends in swimming class. So here's what we did and what you can do too b4 engaging a coach:

1. Brief the coach about your child experience with water eg. whether he likes bathtime, splashing water on face, any known fears etc.

2. Tell the coach you have NO immediate expections of results other than promoting fun, enjoyment and water safety. So the first few lessons should be just playing monkey ball, frog jumps, blowing bubbles, frisbee throwing, whatever to let the coach and students warm up to each other. See picture of Jayden, Linus and Erin blowing bubbles:



More pictures here - http://atrainkid.blogspot.com/2007/03/tempura-udon-swim-lessons_154.html

3. Look for a coach who can joke, tell kids stories, uses toys for pool games eg. picking rubber octopus from the floor, swim thru hoola hoop tunnel, etc.

4. 3. Don't worry, learning the strokes will come when your child is comfortable, likes and trusts the coach. The coach needs to work at being a friend first, teacher second.

Now, Linus is back to loving swimming (without floaties now) and has learned 2 strokes and the tumble turn too!

With your son who is about 1.5 yrs, you need to consider a few more things when you take him swimming yourself:

1. Check pool temperature - evenings best after hot day. Grounded pools are warmer than elevated pools.

2. Have some kind of warm up, 10 minutes play in the park, cycling, etc.

3. First few visits, limit to very short time eg. 10 minute dip and slowly increase but should not be longer than 30 minutes at this age.

4. Are you comforatble with water yourself or tensed? Watch your own reactions, your baby WILL pick them up.

5. Keep hugging and rubbing baby's body if you see signs that he's cold.

Here's a song you can sing to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars to him:

I am kicking my little feet
I am keeping quite a beat
I am splashing with my toes
See how far the water goes
I love swimming I loves kicks
I love learning swimming tricks

Cheers and enjoy.....

[Liew]

Dear LaiYin,

I'm totally amazed by your speed & the tips & tricks that I've to knwo before Brian start with his swimming lesson. Your information has being very helpful to me.

I'm not good in swimming as I'm only attended 8 swimming lesson during my college's time & I didn't swim often. But I'm comfortable when I'm in the water. I'm very keen for Brian to experience what he should be experiencing at this time & bring the best out from him.

My friend just passed me a contact of the coach but earlier Brian could start will probably earlier next year as current all of coach currently away & not able to conduct swimming lesson near my place. Is your coach teaching kids near Bukit Rahman Putra?
Will catph-up with you again. Talk to you again.

Thanks & best regards,
Huey Chin.

[Liew]

Dear LaiYin,

I found "Learn 2 Swimming' website from the blog link you have attached in your earlier replied. Is Linux's coach -Uncle Din found through this contact?
Talk to you soon.
Thank you.

Cheers,
Huey Chin.

[laiyin]

No lah, Uncle Din was recommended by a neighbour at my apartment.

Cheers

[Liew]

Alright, at least now I know the ground for start. Thanks so much for your tips, LaiYin.

Cheers.

[cmytan]

Hi...

Can anyone share the contacts of the swimming instructors willing to teach young kids?

Thanks.

[laiyin]

Hi cmytan

Until now, I still have not come across any baby/toddler swimming instructor in Malaysia whom I can recommend with full confidence. When you do receive recommendations, do check out personally yourself by :

1) requesting trial classes,
2) introduce your daughter/son to the instructor BEFORE the lesson,
3) if possible, observe the instructor teaching another class.

You should be able to feel whether your daughter/son can 'click' with the swim coach. Coach's credentials and reputation aside, Mother's instinct is something we can always trust. After all isn't it our right brain at work, eh?

[euniceche]

Hi All,

I am looking for swimming lesson for my 11 months baby boy.
Anyone can help?

[euniceche]

Hi Siti Hajar,

i not sure whether you receive my reply or not, because I sent few times already but still in the Outbox.

I haven't get my baby partner yet. Location will be in Sek.14, PJ, hope it will be convenient for you.


Eunice