Quinn, 1, Happy Birthday!
Last week, I had the pleasure of teaching sweet little Quinn the day after her first birthday. Quinn's mom, Tiffany, is a dear friend of mine, so this was yet another project participant that has an extra special place in my heart.Quinn is amazing- she was all smiles and was in a pretty good mood the whole time. She did well on her back, but didn't particularly enjoy it. This is very common for many children. The difficult part is trying to get her comfortable enough to not fight it and just relax.Some parents get frustrated and don't like seeing their baby upset, so they don't "make" her do it anymore. Please don't go about learning to swim this way, especially when it comes to the back float. This is a necessary, life-saving survival skill, so it is extremely important for her to float on her back independently. This is a battle you are just going to have to fight- or if you won't, then let a swim instructor do this for you or at least help you out at first.I realize that once again I'm writing about relaxing in the water, which is really the key to floating. Quinn went as far as floating on her back while I walked backwards, holding only her neck and head in one hand. But I would not have completely let her go because I could feel the tension in her body. I know that if I had let go completely, she would have tried to sit up and/or flailed around, attempting to turn on her stomach. In either case, her body would have tensed up and she would have gone under. Check out this VIDEO of her on her back: Quinn backfloat
Suggestions for helping your child back float
If your child is having difficulty relaxing in on her back, keep these suggestions in mind:
- RELAX: Yes, I said the 'r' word again. But this time, it's directed at you. If you are in the water with your child, show her that you are relaxed and confident. If your body is tense, then she will pick up on that and also tense up.
- START WITH A HUG AND MOVE SLOWLY: Slowly turn your child away from you and give her a hug. Now bring your hands underneath her arms, thumbs up, move her to the side and pull her against your shoulder. You should now be cheek-to-cheek with her. Do all of this slowly and fluidly, singing a relaxing song or whispering in her ear for comfort.
- LET THE CHILD FEEL YOUR SUPPORT: Move your inside hand under her bum and slide your other hand across her chest, maintaining the cheek-to-cheek position. Get low in the water so that your shoulders are under. Slowly walk backwards, moving side to side so her legs float through the water.
- DON'T GIVE UP: As I mentioned before, if this is not your child's favorite thing to do in the pool, don't worry. But do not give up. Counting is always a good tool. Tell her she will go on her back for three seconds, "1, 2, 3." Sit her up when you get to three, then try it again. Move on to another skill, then come back to the back float.
RESOURCES
- Check out the Do-it-Yourself Teach Your Child How to Swim eBook
- Visit the our Learn to Swim Shop
- Download the FREE Safer Swimming Bundle
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