Duration: any
Age: child, parent
Skill for Bub: Muscle builder, Hand/eye coordination, Just for fun
summary:
Swimming practice makes perfect fun bath-time exercises.
While some children love splashing in the tub, swimming in a pool is a different story. Ease your child’s anxiety and fear of the water with three fun bath-time swimming lessons. Caution: As always, never leave your child unattended during bath time.
Blowing Bubbles
Get your child comfortable with putting her head underwater, by trying this in-the-tub technique before a plunge in the big pool. (Refrain from using bubble bath for this activity.)
- Start by taking a big breath in (exaggerate the sound).
- Make an O-shape with your mouth and make an “ooo” sound as you blow out.
- Encourage your child to imitate you a few times.
- When she is ready, have her practice with her mouth in the water and her nose above it. She might want to try using goggles too!
Fantastic Floating
Here’s a relaxing way to introduce your child to the back stroke.
- Help her lay back with her body straight.
- Support her body as she floats, using your entire hand at first, and then decreasing the amount of support over time.
- Encourage her to gently flutter her feet, but not enough that she’ll get water all over the bathroom.
Forward Crawl
While your child is in a seated position, familiarise her with the crawl stroke by helping to bicycle her arms. Dip her hands in the water as you paddle her arms.
