Swim Lessons
We are on day 2 of swim lessons. Yesterday went pretty well, and I thought I’d share our experience, in case you’re thinking about swim lessons for your kids. It’s a great skill to have, and so important for their safety.
Taking 3 to the Pool
Both the twins, who are 3, and my oldest, who is 5, are taking lessons. My oldest son took an introductory class (like the twins are taking now,) last summer with my Dad. This year, he is on his own with the instructors. My Dad was actually a little nervous about him not having an adult just with him, so he came along with all of us.
Now, by all of us, I mean we also had our babysitter come with. For the introductory class, you need one adult per child. This is a challenge for many parents of twins, but we lucked out finding our babysitter that agreed to come to lessons too.
So, after getting everyone in swim suits (and swim diapers for the twins as we have NOT tackled potty training at all,) packing up towels, fighting over who would ride with Grandpa, we headed to the lessons. We’re taking swimming through our Park and Recreation Department, and the lessons take place at an outdoor pool not far from our house. I signed us up for the 11:20 am lessons in Mid July, thinking it would have to be warm in Wisconsin by then. Yesterday was a little overcast, and the water was pretty cold, but today was warm and sunny.
Pool Arrival
(I didn’t get any pictures at the pool because I left all everything in the car. Plus, I probably would have dropped my phone in the pool. So, these are the only pictures I have.)
Surprisingly, we arrived early, so we all stood and watched the previous lessons finish up. I think the excitement of going in the water, plus the new surroundings kept everyone in good moods and good behavior.
The instructors took a brief break between lessons, then gathered us all to talk to us about how the program works. Each instructor introduced themselves, talked about inclement weather, and then showed us where each group would meet each day.
The twins had a very friendly girl, who had been doing lessons for quite a while it seemed. My oldest son had four instructors for his group, so Grandpa had nothing to worry about. Plus, I could see him from where are groups were situated.
All three had a great time!
What happened in class
We sang Wheels on the Bus (while going in a circle and doing different actions in the water,) If you’re Happy and You know it (same concept,) a boat song (where they get spun around,) lots of kicking, and scooping/paddling. To help with the scooping and kicking, they got to pick a toy from a bucket, and throw it. They then were supposed to kick or scoop to it. We also tried blowing bubbles, but that only resulted in swallowing a lot of water. To end the class, they got to jump off the side into our arms. Both twins were a little apprehensive at first, but by the end, both were reaching for our hands and jumping full force.
Grandpa watched my oldest, and said he did great. They floated on their backs, went underwater, and also did a lot of kicking.
We will be going to lessons every week day for the next two weeks. I really think by the end they will be very comfortable in the water, and maybe my oldest will be a step closer to swimming.
I forgot to mention a HUGE bonus to swim lessons! Not only do they burn off a lot of energy so they are actually hungry and asking for lunch, but they are super tired for their naps. The twins slept for close to 3 HOURS yesterday! If that doesn’t make you want to sign your kids up, I don’t know what will.
Have you tried swim lessons with your kids? Did they enjoy them?
Swimming lessons are also great for your kids’ safety! It’s crazy how many people can’t swin at all!
Yes! I think it’s so important.
I thought about starting lessons for my almost 3 year old. He loves the water but I think I am waiting until next year. I also have a 1 year old so it would have been hard for me to be there with the 3 year old.
Oh yes, that would be hard. Next year will definitely be easier.
Sounds like a fun day for you! Connor almost 8 is taking lessons this year. His mom & I keep trying to talk it up and tell him about jumping off the diving board but he just wont tell us about his lessons & he doesnt want to do the board! Hopefully he’ll stick with it.
My oldest keeps talking about the diving board too…I think he’s a little scared right now. Hope they both get over it, and have fun.
Swim lessons are so important for kiddos. One of the best gifts we can teach them! 🙂 Great post! I found you on the inspired BN Promos. Love your blog! 🙂 Rebecca
Thank you so much!
Hope swimming lessons will be a blast! I remember that lessons were the highlight of my summer!
Awesome! So far, so good!
Cute! Growing up at the beach, I never took swimming lessons. It just kind of happened (with some help from my parents). I love the water and love when people learn to swim and start to enjoy it (hopefully as much as I do!)
Yes! We don’t really live near a beach, so the pool is our best option. I think they’re really loving it, and hope it will continue.
I’m so glad lessons are going well! We’re going swimming today, and I’m looking forward to the post-swim nap time!
Yes, that’s the best! If only I could take one too…
Oh how fun! I bet it is a challenge with twins. I’m a twin and I have no idea how my mom did it with me and my brother running around crazy all the time. Haha. I commend you ma’am! I hope the boys continue to enjoy the class.
Yes, our pool requires one adult per child, so I’m lucky to have help.
Swimming lessons are so important.. it sounds like your kids did awesome. My son did a few a screamed the entire time. We ended up teaching him ourselves at home. I need to get my daughter lessons!
I’ve been lucky that the only screams are happy ones so far!
Amazing post dear!
That’s so great that they all enjoyed themselves! I’ve been thinking about getting my two into swim lessons. You just convinced me with the whole 3 hours of sleep thing lol!
Yes! It really tires them out, and usually NOTHING does. Go for it 🙂
What a lucky family! Swim lessons and long naps! We did infant swim, it really helped my son learn to crawl! (He has Down syndrome.) Then he hated large swimming pools for years, until he turned eight, when he insisted on learning how to swim! Now, if only mom would get in the water, she’d lose a few pounds!
Ha! I think I’m gaining arm strength lifting and catching the twins in the pool. And the naps are the best bonus I could ask for 🙂
My goal is to do this with our boys. Mr. 12 has a deep fear of going underwater and if lessons can at least get him comfortable enough not to freak out, I’d be happy.
Looks like everyone had fun!
Yes, that’s a great idea to get him comfortable. Thanks for reading!
My kids LOVE swim lessons!! Here we can do them through the YMCA, but it ends up cost me $110 per kid for 6 lessons. It’s crazy expensive!
Wow. That is really expensive. Luckily, our Park and Rec is pretty reasonable.
Sounds like a great start to the experience! Glad they seem to be having a good time while learning a really important skill.
Yes! Thank you!
It’s so important to learn good water habits when you’re young. I’m glad you’ve got your kids in lessons instead of them learning bad pool habits from family and friends. I was a swim coach throughout high school and college and the kids that had lessons when they were wee young were the best students. 🙂
Awesome. So good to hear. Thank you!
What a great time and so important an activity!!!
Yes! Thank you!
My daughter did swim lessons before my son was born but I want to get them both in some because they’re at the same level. Only problem is the one parent to one child issue. So hopefully we can find something that works for my hubby. Just for the reason of a longer nap and hungrier appetite alone, it’s worth it. So nice grande joined 🙂
The adult per child does make it hard. Hope your husband can work it out too. 🙂
It sounds like you had a great time! We love our swim lessons. I’m not sure what we’ll do once the new baby comes. It’s tough with two! I totally hear you on the tired thing- my son always takes a good nap after swim lessons.
I just want to say that I agree with others, learning to swim should not be an option a parent decides on like say, taking piano or tap dance… being able to swim – even just enough to save yourself – is a required safety skill like knowing what to do in case of fire or inclement weather. Plus, you miss out on a lot of FUN if you are afraid of the water. Kudos to you for getting them in early!
I totally agree. Thank you!
I’m glad your kids are getting the opportunity to learn to swim (and you’re getting a break when they nap afterwards)! Win-win!
Yes! Thank you.
Thanks so much for sharing 🙂 I’ve been wanting to put my children in swimming lessons.
Thanks for reading .
Glad you had a good experience! Swim classes are so important and seem like fun!
swimming lesson are SO important for kiddos! My youngest daughter WILL not partake in lessons – she HATES to have her face wet. We have spent a fortune trying to get her to swim!
Swimming is important for any kid to learn. Both for the fun aspect and safety aspect. Love the pictures! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
Swimming is such an important skill to know! it can be a very good survival one as well, I think everyone should learn to swim.
My kid loves the pool but he’s too young for swim lessons just yet. We’ll be getting there soon.
Sounds like they’re having a great time. My kids always came home spent, too when they had their swimming lessons.
I enrolled my kids to swimming lessons, too as soon as they were ready. I think it’s important that they learn this.
How fun! Swim lessons are so great. I really need to get my kids signed up in the winter.
Yes! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Swim lessons are important. My daughter and I did swim lessons when she was 8 months old (she’s two now) and we’re doing them again. Thanks for posting this!
Thanks for reading!
Sounds like a great time! My kids did summer lessons last year, and this year with our move coming up we didn’t get them in it but we plan to this winter. I think its super important!
It is. Thank you!
Swimming lessons at such a young age is a wonderful idea. It helps them grow and be comfortable around water instead of afraid of it. I have met a number of adults who, when they were kids, their parents were too afraid of water themselves so as kids they didn’t learn how to swim. And then as adults they were afraid to go anywhere near a swimming pool or lake.
Yes. Thank you.
Looks like they’re having a great time! I can remember swim lessons being so much fun as a kid!
Yes, they love it. 🙂
I was just talking to someone about kids taking swim lessons the other day. Great way to keep them safe throughout the summer fun…
Yes! Thanks for reading. 🙂
How wonderful! It sounds like y’all had an amazing time! I want to get my son into some lessons, too, but I’ve been a bit nervous. :X
I was nervous too, but it’s been really great.
Hey, is my fav online twins! glad you are showing them how to swim. This is so important, and I know your oldest son is loving the experience.
Thanks Sacha! 🙂
I need to look into swim lessons for my daughter.
Yes! So important!
So great all the kids had a successful first day at their swim lessons. Learning how to swim young is so important, and could potentially help save their lives one day. Great job to them!
Great post! We never got swimming lessons for the kids because some of our relatives have pools and we always just taught them ourselves. Then they had to get them in kindergarten thru 3rd grade at school on top of that (they teach them as part of gym class) so my kids are great swimmers 🙂 You’re right though, nothing hungrier or sleepier than a kid that’s been in a pool!
Yes! Best added benefit!
How fun! I didn’t love swim team in high school, but I have fond memories of learning how to swim 🙂
My boys love playing in the pool. I hope next year all of them will be old enough to take swimming lessons together.
I struggled with swimming so much growing up. I’m glad your boys are taking to it! 🙂
xo, Caitlin
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