Almost every parent in the United States is
concerned, at one time or another, about his child
learning to swim. Most parents try to help their
child become a swimmer. Often well meaning
parents hinder rather than aid their child’s prog
ress in the water.
WHAT AGE SHOULD MY CHILD BE?
More children learn faster between the ages of
eight and eleven than any other age because of
interest and physical development. However a
great many of them learn between the ages of
six and eight. The group from six to eight is not
as well coordinated-and it will take them longer
to make progress in movement. Six is a very good
age to start them in overcoming their fear of
water.
WHY ARE CHILDREN AFRAID OF WATER?
There are two reasons for fear of water. First
of all, swimming is the only activity where the
participant moves horizontally instead of vertically.
Secondly, on some strokes you must control your
breathing — exhale when your face is in the water
and inhale when it is out.
HOW CAN PARENTS HELP?
The first way a parent may help his child is by
getting in the water with him. The child should
be allowed to get in only as deep as he wished to
go as long as it is not over his head. Get in and
stay close but never force your child. Secondly,
compliment any type of improvement. There is
nothing a child enjoys more than sincere praise
from his parents. Thirdly, remember after you
start that some days he will do much better than
others. You must have an abundance of Patience.
If you become discouraged do not let your child
see it.
FIRST STEPS:
After you get your child in and used to the
water the next thing is to take steps to get his
face in the water. Notice in the pictures that the
beginner is chest deep in water. Do the first three
steps with him.
1. Wash your face with him and emphasize
blowing bubbles.
2. This time lower his hands just under the
surface and have him blow into them.
HELP YOUR CHILD
ENJOY THE WATER
By N. A. Miller, Jr.
Next place hands on knees and blow bubbles
by bending and putting the head in the
water. The three things mentioned must
be accomplished before proceeding. Your
child may do these the first day or it may
take a week or two. Remember never to
force him but encourage—also remember
one day he may do it and the next he may
not.
ON THE FACE:
3. Now take his hands and ask him to:
A. Put his face in the water and blow
B. Kick up and down
4. Stand in front of him and let him try this by
himself, but be sure to be there to catch him
and help him regain his balance. To regain
his balance tell him to bend his knees and
raise his head.
Notice in the pictures that the older per
son stands in front of the child—never beside
or supporting him around the waist. A child
will become tired of doing this after he be
comes efficient at it. Let him play some
games; going through your legs, blowing a
ping pong ball along the water, counting
fingers under the water, playing leap frog in
the water, etc.
ON THE BACK:
Always stand behind the child.
5. Put both hands under the child’s shoulders:
A. Tell him to look at you (by doing this it
will help get his head back).
B. Tell him to lie rather than sit, arch his
back (chest out), and relax, keep his feet
together, arms straight out.
Have the child move his arms straight down
to his side—then straight out again. This
gives continual support plus movement.
Then remove one hand from his back.
6. Place only one finger in middle of his back
then no support. Remember to emphasize
straight arm movement.
It may take several days to get your child to do
this. If you can accomplish the above your child
will be over his fear of the water and some day
soon he will be a swimmer.
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