Do you take your kids to swimming lessons?

**Hollywood** · 16-05-2009 12:29

Poll....

I have enrolled DS to start next Thursday, and I feel really guilty that I didn't start him at 6 months.

For those who started their kids after 2 years old, were there any problems at the start? Do they catch up pretty quickly? DS loves the pool but is still pretty clingy. I guess the more often we go the better he'll get.

**Benji** · 16-05-2009 12:33

I started DS at two and for the first 5-6 weeks it was just downright embarrassing. He would whinge, scream, shout, refuse to do anything he was asked.

After the first few weeks, he LOVED IT!!!

I almost pulled him out in those first few weeks, I'm so glad I didn't though because he learned a lot.

Can't take him any more due to money

I'd love to be able to take him still. He went for just under a year, weekly.

**Hollywood** · 16-05-2009 12:39

Thanks Ang, that's good to know. I'll keep that in mind and just keep persisting if DS kicks up a fuss.

**Ffrenchknickers** · 16-05-2009 12:44

My 3 eldest go to swimming lessons once a week plus the 2 who are at school do it there also, plus swimming club 5 x a week for DS1. He did not learn to swim until after he was 4 and he is a great little swimmer now.

DS2 was hesitant at first but after we persisted he 'got it.' That was not until he was 3 or 4 though.

DD was great at 6 - 18 months - would put her head under and everything but now, at 2 she hates it!!

I will start DS3 in September and I am also starting as a swimming teacher myself

**~Temet Nosce~** · 16-05-2009 12:55

I take dd swimming (in summer) but not to swimming lessons, can't afford them. We really aren't around water enough anyway, nowhere near a beach, and there is only 3-4 months in the year where it gets warm enough to swim here, rest of the time its freezing, too cold for indoors even.

**ealing** · 16-05-2009 13:39

hi,

Don't worry if you didn't take your child at 6 months. I think that they only say it is good for them so that they don't develop that "fear" of water in the pool with other people. We took DD at 8 months and with each class that she advances to, each term with the change of teacher etc..she still kicks up a bit of a fuss for the first lesson or two and she is now 3 yrs 8 mths.

I come from a long swimming background and started when I was 4 years old. I did the whole swimming club thing, training 6x a week at 5am to 7am twice a day for 5 days a week during high school and then went on to become a swim teacher and level 1 coach. It was the biggest thing that consumed my childhood which kept me fit and healthy and I loved it. We hope to pass that same enjoyment in a sport onto DD and swimming is a skill that you never forget and can use anywhere you go.

**Hollywood** · 16-05-2009 13:43

Originally Posted by ealing

hi,

Don't worry if you didn't take your child at 6 months. I think that they only say it is good for them so that they don't develop that "fear" of water in the pool with other people. We took DD at 8 months and with each class that she advances to, each term with the change of teacher etc..she still kicks up a bit of a fuss for the first lesson or two and she is now 3 yrs 8 mths.

I come from a long swimming background and started when I was 4 years old. I did the whole swimming club thing, training 6x a week at 5am to 7am twice a day for 5 days a week during high school and then went on to become a swim teacher and level 1 coach. It was the biggest thing that consumed my childhood which kept me fit and healthy and I loved it. We hope to pass that same enjoyment in a sport onto DD and swimming is a skill that you never forget and can use anywhere you go.

I'm similar to you, I started swimming young and was in squads and so forth, and I still enjoy swimming recreationally. I think that's why I am determined for DS to learn, it's such a valuable thing for every child and adult to be able to do and I like that I can swim well in any situation.

**tootiredtosleep** · 16-05-2009 14:05

I started DD1 when she was almost 3. We are into our 2nd term and she is doing well. She went OK for the first few lessons, and then major tears for a few ... the instructor would give her a little cuddle and she settled down most times, only once did I have to get her out. All of the other parents were lovely and supportive - I think it happens with most kids once in awhile.

We used to go Tuesday arvos and we would have to rush straight out after lessons because I had to go to work. Now we go Fridays and its alot more relaxed, I let DD1 play in the pool after the lesson and its hard to get her out.

I've asked the teachers not to put her head under and they are happy not to. At her age its more for fun and water awareness rather than swimming.

**becster05** · 16-05-2009 14:55

I picked other as we are just about to start swimming classes next week!

My daughter is 4.5 months old and just LOVES the bath, kicking and splashing about is her favourite part of the day I think!! She sometimes cries when we take her out, the poor little button so as you can see I am excited to get her started. It will be good exercise and I am keen for her to be confident in water when she gets older. I didnt learn till I was a lot older and am not particularly confident so didnt want this for my little girl.

**HugsBunny** · 16-05-2009 14:59

I started DS at about 2.5yo and he did REALLY well. Starting them young I think is just about getting their confidence up in the water. I won't be starting any other kids until around 2yo either because swimming lessons are expensive and I don't want to pay $110 a term just to splash water and move bub through the water in a group when I can do it myself for a fraction of the price IYKWIM?