Pro Parent Tips: How to Make the Most of Swim Lessons
Parents, we see you. Your days are packed with school drop-offs, snack requests, chores and endless to-do lists. Adding swim lessons into the mix can take some serious planning! Wondering how to make swim lessons smoother for both you and your little one?
We spoke with some Aqua-Tots parents who’ve been there, done that and successfully navigated the waters of raising safe, confident swimmers. Here are their best tips to help families make the most of their days in swim school.
What To Do Before You Arrive
Plan To Arrive Ahead of Time
We’ve all been there. You’re rushing out the door, balancing backpacks, water bottles and swim bags, trying to get everyone buckled in while the clock keeps ticking. The reality? Rushing adds stress—for you and your child.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “At high stress, children are more distracted by superficial features of the environment, will find it harder to engage in planning and voluntary control of their attention, and are more likely to engage in habitual behaviors.” Try planning to leave 15–20 minutes earlier than you think you need to. A little extra cushion means a calmer arrival, plenty of time to check in, and a more relaxed start to swim class.
Talk About Lessons in Advance
Has your child ever had a meltdown because they weren’t expecting something? Talking to your tot about swim lessons in the days leading up to class helps set clear expectations. Let them know when their lesson is, what they will be doing, and how fun it will be! This is a great time to remind them that they will be going underwater and that this is an important part of learning to swim. If they’re nervous, reassure them that their friendly, expert coach will be guiding them every step of the way.
Empower Your Little Helper
You already have a million things to remember—snacks, towels, dry clothes…the list goes on! Let your child help with their swim bag by carrying their towel, grabbing their goggles or picking out their favorite post-lesson snack. This gives them a lesson in responsibility while also helping them feel involved and excited for swim day.
Pack Smart
You’re halfway to the swim school when you realize you forgot something. We’ve been there! Packing before the day of the lesson can save last-minute stress. Here’s a quick checklist to help you remember.
What To Bring To Swim Lessons
- Swimsuit (or wear it under clothes for easy changing!)
- Towel
- Swim diapers (disposable and reusable for double diapering)
- Goggles (if your child uses them)
- Change of clothes
- Easy slip-on shoes
- Hairbrush
- A light post-lesson snack
If it’s too late to turn around, we’ve got you covered! We have most of these essentials available for purchase in schools. In addition, we have a vanity stocked with toiletries near the changing rooms, giving you one less thing to worry about packing.
Dress For Success
The changing room shuffle is real. If possible, have your child wear their swimsuit under their clothes before you leave home. It’s one less step to worry about when you arrive, making the transition to swim class a breeze.
Give Them a Light Snack
Ever tried reasoning with a hungry toddler? It’s not easy. A light snack (think fruit, yogurt or crackers) about 30 minutes before class helps keep energy levels up without making tummies too full to swim.
Set The Tone with Positivity
Some kids need a little extra encouragement. If they’re hesitant about swim class, stay upbeat and excited. Instead of saying, “Are you scared?” try, “I can’t wait to hear what you learn today!” A confident and positive tone from you makes a big difference in how they approach their lesson.
Pre-Lesson Bathroom Break
There’s nothing worse than getting everyone settled in the pool and then hearing, “I have to go potty!” Taking a quick bathroom break before class can help prevent mid-lesson interruptions.
What To Do During Swim Lessons
You’ve made it to swim lessons—you remembered all your gear (hopefully), snacks are packed and you got here on time (or close enough!). But what can you do during lessons to make the most of this experience for you and your child?
Step Back And Empower Your Swimmer
If your child is struggling or looking to you for help, try stepping out of their direct line of sight. This helps them build trust with their instructor and gain confidence in their abilities.
Celebrate Small Wins
Learning to swim happens in baby steps. Putting their face in the water, floating independently, or kicking stronger-every little victory matters! Give you’re kiddos a thumbs-up, a big smile, or a “great job!” between skills to boost their confidence.
Trust the Process
Some children jump right in, but for others, it can take some time to adjust-and that’s okay! Our instructors are trained to guide them at their own pace, using proven methods to help them progress.
Remember that we are a pro-submersion school and going underwater is necessary for safe, confident swimming, even if it’s a little unnerving at first. Resist the urge to intervene. Grab a coffee, sit back, relax, and enjoy your 30-minute break!
Watch But Avoid Distracting
It’s natural to want to cheer, encourage or even correct from the sidelines, but too much attention can take their focus off the lesson. Let them engage with their instructor and resist the urge to give instructions from the red chairs.
Document Progress with A Video
Take a quick video of your child’s progress during their lesson. This is a helpful tool for them to use when preparing for their next lesson and a great way to celebrate milestones by showing them how far they’ve come. Share their video with the hashtag #AquaTots on your social media so your child can receive additional praise and encouragement from friends and family members.
Stay Positive—Even on Hard Days
Some lessons will be tough, and that’s normal! If your child struggles, focus on what they did well rather than what they didn’t. Instead of, “You didn’t listen today,” try, “I loved how you kept trying! I can’t wait to see what you learn next time.”
Swim lessons are a journey, and every lesson is one step closer to confidence and safety in the water. You’re doing great, and so is your swimmer! Let us know if you have any questions or if we can help in any way during a tough lesson. We’re in this together!
What To Do After Swim Lessons
Another swim lesson is in the books, and now it’s time to dry off and tackle the rest of your day. Whether your child leaves with big smiles or a few tears, what happens after the lesson matters just as much as what happens in the water.
Make Post-Lesson Time Special
Whether it’s a high-five, a fun snack or a silly post-swim routine (like a dance-off in the car), create a positive association with swim days to keep the excitement going. Even small traditions help build consistency and reinforce a love for swimming.
Plan for Next Time
Talk about what things they felt they did best. If you captured any of their lesson on video, review it together and highlight the wins. Then use the coach’s feedback to talk about what skills they can work on next time. Consider setting some fun swim goals ahead of the next lesson.
Keep the Swim Fun Going at Home
If they’re excited, encourage them to practice skills in the bathtub or during playtime (arm positioning, floating, kicking). This keeps the momentum going between lessons.
Reinforce Water Safety Lessons
Use real-life moments to remind your children what they learned. If you’re near a pool, lake or even a bathtub, ask, “What’s one water safety rule you remember from swim class this week?”
Remember Your Why
Some days, swim lessons will feel like smooth sailing. Other days, not so much. On challenging days, it’s important to remember WHY you committed to swim lessons in the first place. Your goal is to raise safe, confident kids, and swim lessons are just one important way in which you are doing that. Your commitment today offers them a lifetime of water safety tomorrow, and your peace of mind is worth it!
You’ve Got This, Parents!
Balancing busy schedules while making time for swim lessons isn’t always easy, but every splash, kick and smile is a step towards building lifelong water safety and confidence. By planning ahead, staying positive and creating fun swim-day routines, you’re helping set your child up for success in and out of the water. Keep celebrating those small victories, trust the process and know that your dedication is making a difference. We’re so proud to be part of your family’s swim journey. We look forward to seeing you at your next lesson!
Looking for more specific guidance? Our Team Tot members are experts and are here to help. Use our Location Finder at the top of this page to call your school today!