3. Feel-good Atmosphere
Your child’s success is not just determined by the instructor’s skill — the environment is essential. Find a place in which you both feel comfortable.
“I know every child’s name that comes through the door,” Davis says. “It has to be comfortable, and you have to feel good about going. So, find a place where they’ll take their time, be loving, affectionate and caring.”
4. Structure
Along with his or her caring nature, your child’s instructor should create a structured environment with expectations.
“They must also be firm and stern because they [children] need that structure,” Davis explains.
5. Balanced Feedback
The tone and way that instructors give feedback can be key to building up their confidence as they improve.
“You have to give them praise, even within criticism,” Davis says.
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6. Rules with Repetition
Teach them to ask permission before going into the water. Even with nonverbal students, Davis says, using repetition can help prevent entering the water unsupervised.
“Unfortunately, they have no fear and a lot of tragedies happen around water,” she says. “We don’t want them to be scared, but we don’t want them just to dive in either. So, we teach them to ask permission.”
7. Welcome All Levels
Know that regardless of your child’s current abilities, all levels can benefit from swimming.
“Don’t sleep on your nonverbal kids,” Davis says. “They get it.”