Why you should put your kids in swimming lessons this summer

Every kid should do swimming lessons wether your child is typical, autistic, ADHD, learning different, active or a couch potato.  No matter what- unless your child was given to you in a box and you were told not to feed him after midnight and don't get him wet.....   Obviously, swimming lessons can save a life, and swimming is a great healthy hobby, but those aren't why I am telling you to send your kid to lessons.  My reasons are all about what it does for your child outside the water.

 Brain Development-  When a child swims, she uses her arms and legs, neck and head,  and at the same time has to control her breathing- which is usually automatic.  This makes her brain create all kinds of new wiring to do all those things at once.  And that wiring will stay there, connecting the left side to the right side, so when she wants to play an instrument or catch a ball, or do complex word problems in math class, her brain will be more prepared.  And that breath control, works with the most basic part of the brain- the part that controls reflexes and impulses and will help your child be able to control herself better in lots of other situations.

Body Strength and Coordination- You can't swim without using both your arms and your legs, but you are also using your stomach, back and neck muscles.  She will be stronger from head to toe, which will help your child succeed at every other activity in her life from riding a bike and playing sports to sitting still in class.  

Sensory Integration and Body Awareness- Every minute your child is in the water, her body is being pushed on from every angle by the water.  That provides a pressure that helps her have a stronger awareness of where her toes and fingers are and every inch in between. That awareness will help her overall body coordination from large muscles needed to walk a straight line, to the tiny ones used for handwriting and typing.  

I have tried to put my kids in swimming lessons for 2 weeks every summer at our local YMCA or Rec center.  There are tons of places to do private lessons, but the Red Cross certified classes have been great for my kids.  You can find Swimming Lessons at the swimming lessons locator through the Red Cross website.  

BUT- My kid has a reason we can't do this:

ADHD-   Your child will get the physical activity and input from the water to help him focus and sit still after swimming lessons are over.  Right after lessons would be a great time to have some quiet reading time with your child.  The actual lessons may go much better than you expect too, because your child is getting the extra sensory input from the water during the lesson.

Autistism-  Kids with autism will benefit greatly from the increased body awareness and strengthening.  However, you may want to consider private lessons, if your child has difficulty dealing with the noise of a large swimming lesson class.

Down Syndrome -   Your child needs the strengthening as much as any child- and if needed can repeat the same level of swimming lessons as many times as needed before progressing.  Many children need to take a level repeatedly to be able to continue to the next.  Taking a Level 1 swimming class a few times still gives your child the great experience of swimming.

Cerebral Palsy-  The strengthening and coordination will be great for your child.  If your child is very weak or has significantly limited use of one or more limbs, you should consider private lessons, and screen for a teacher who is excited to work with your child.

Afraid of Water-  For a child who is truly afraid of the water, swimming lessons need to be carefully considered.  The best parenting move may be to take your child to the pool yourself, let the child wear a life jacket, and become more comfortable with the water before attempting lessons.  If your child is under 6, you may want to try a Preschool Level 1 class- which does a lot of play and gives children a gentle introduction to the water.