What to Expect Upon Returning
After a break, you might notice:
- Resistance to getting into the water
- Some tears
- Reluctance to participate
- Possible regression in skills
Don’t worry – this is totally natural! Little ones need time to reacclimate themselves to the environment, teachers and lesson structure. While it may take a bit of time to get back to where they were before, your teacher will work closely with you to help your child readjust at their own pace.
Preparing for Your Return
If you’d like to prepare your little swimmer before coming back to lessons, here are a few steps you can take:
- Familiarize with water again
Take advantage of nearby pools or simply let your child practice at home in the bathtub or shower to rebuild their comfort with water.
- Have fun and practice
Refresh your little one’s muscle memory and ease back into routines by practicing skills from previous lessons! Together you can work on:
- Kicking your legs (think about your Pointy Toes or Robot Legs)
- Holding on to different surfaces (wall, mat or even your couch!)
- Blowing bubbles
- Using their arms (think about your Tiger Arms or Ice Cream Scoops)
- “Name Are You Ready Go?”
- Floating on their backs
For more ideas, you can check out our YouTube Playlist “Learn”.
Don’t forget to make it fun! Use the Water Babies songs and games to keep your little one engaged!
- Build excitement
Talk about how much fun lessons will be! Mention their friends, their favourite teacher, or a fun activity they’ll get to do.
Tips for the First Lesson Back
When it’s time to rejoin your Water Babies lessons, keep these strategies in mind:
- Be patient
“When they’re ready, we’re ready”. Pushing your child too quickly might have the opposite effect, so let them adjust at their own pace.
- Avoid comparisons
Every swimmer's journey is unique. Celebrate your child’s personal milestones no matter how small.
- Observe others
Encourage your little one to watch their peers. Seeing their friends enjoy the lessons might inspire them to join in.
- Praise, praise, praise
Offer lots of encouragement and smiles! Positive reinforcement can work wonders for boosting confidence.
- Use toys
Toys like our Water Babies fishies can make the experience more engaging and fun for your child.
Remember, every step your child takes is progress. With a little patience, encouragement and your teacher’s support, they’ll be splashing again in no time. We can’t wait to welcome you back!