pARENTING TIPS
Understand that ALL CHILDREN attempt to MANIPULATE those who are in control. You as a parent are in control. You as a parent are on duty 24 hours and there can be gaps in your continuity of parenting. Since I have your children for 30 minutes a day, I pay no attention to the manipulative noise (crying). Saving ones life demands on an immediate action which is developed as a CONDITIONED RESPONSE. The no nonsense method of instruction is time-tested. It works! Watch and enjoy your child learn a LIFE SKILL! A child's daily routine relies on maintaining CONTROL through MANIPULATION this is done vocally...crying. BOTH PARENTS MUST COORDINATE THEIR DISCIPLINE...work together!!!
LOOK HAPPY (even though you may be uneasy). Your feelings are transferred to your child. If you appear happy the child will acclimate to the activity. When parenting, eye contact is essential! When making eye contact, DO NOT WEAR SUNGLASSES!
IMPORTANT
All children, as a part of their natural growth pattern, physical as well as mental seek control. Discipline is accomplished much easier with daily continuity within the family structure. Too many choices confuse most children. Make their life as well as yours simple by being consistent and understanding. It will help your child progress in the early years as well as giving direction for the teenage years. TELL DON'T ASK!!
USE OF ARMS
The use of arms to aid a young (under 3 years of age) swimmer is minimal at best. The child's legs are what provides the forward movement. The arms become a factor a general rule at about 3 1/2 years of age. The first arm movement is termed "the dog paddle". The next progression of learning is the "breaststroke" (circle with the arms). A freestyle or "big arm stroke" is the logical next step
BREATHING
DO NOT PUSH A NEW SWIMMER TO GET A BREATH, THE BREATHING POSITION IS MORE OR LESS VERTICAL AND THE CHILD IS NOT A WATER TREADER DUE TO THE LACK OF BODY STRENGTH. THE HORIZONTAL SWIMMING POSITION IS WHAT SAVES A LIFE AS THE NEW SWIMMER GETS MORE STRENGTH AND CONFIDENCE, BREATHING WILL TAKE CARE OF ITSELF, VERY IMPORTANT!!!
Pool Safety (VERY IMPORTANT)
Make the new swimmer aware of the difference of each swimming venue. The sides of the pool that are unreachable. Location of boards, steps, and ladders. Use and misuse of slides and diving. The variables that help determine a "safe" pool for your child are threefold.
1. Height of the pool water
2. Distance from the top of the water to the top of the pool deck
3. Length of the child's arm
A CHILD THAT CANNOT REACH THE TOP SIDE IS NOT SAFE NO MATTER HOW GOOD A SWIMMER!
When to HELP and HOW
Needless to say, help when necessary, but calmly. Do not panic, but be reassuring at all times.
Often times when first swimming with a parent, the child will make a U-turn back to the adult. In spite of the desire, resist the impulse to “rescue” (pick up) the swimmer but instead, redirect him back to his original destination.
To redirect, use your hand on the back of her head while she is still underwater and guide him until she has reached the safety of the steps or side. She will not remember your redirection, but she will remember the rescue. In an accident, his first and immediate reaction must be survival, not hesitation or a search for Mom or Dad.
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