Sending your kids to basketball practice, summer camp, or an after-school theatre program is a great well to keep them entertained. Activities like these aren’t just a method of entertainment, though, but also crucial for social, mental, and physical development. Whatever you do, don’t let your young one sit in front of the TV all day.
Not sure which activity will be best for your child? Consider kids swimming lessons! It has been proven that learning to swim at a young age has tons of benefits to both mental and physical development. The YMCA says that “swimming is an important life skill that children and adults should learn as early as possible.”
Swimming has numerous health benefits
This is true for people of all ages, but greatly applies to young children. In a world where obesity and laziness is running rampant, it is important to teach your children from a young age that physical fitness is important. A great way to exemplify this is to sign them up for swimming lessons in your local area.
Swimming is not just fun, but it is one of the best forms of exercise and works every muscle of the body. Children who experience a lot of pent up energy will be able to get rid of this energy in a healthy way. On top of that, swimming builds strength and endurance and is healthier on the body than other forms of exercise.
It teaches water-related safety skills
Teaching a child to swim at a young age teaches necessary water safety rules. Not only will your child learn that there is “no running” in the pool area, but also vital life-saving skills that could be useful later on in life. These skills could one day save their own lives or the life of another.
Swimming lessons help with social development
Of course swimming assists with physical fitness, but did you know that it also helps children to develop socially? Most swimming lessons are offered in small groups and all children or teens are within the same age group. The kids are able to interact with one another, learn from one another, and have fun together.
This is a great opportunity to make friends and even work together as a team. For older age groups, team building swim relays are common. These activities are fun, interactive, and teach valuable life lessons. Learning these valuable social skills can also be done in a classroom, but it has been proven to be even more effective within the confines of a swimming pool.
Learning to swim is a valuable life skill
This goes without saying since there are tons of opportunities throughout life that call for swimming skills. When your child vacations near the beach at an older age, he or she will grateful for the swimming lessons you invested in as a parent. Boat trips, beach outings, and summertime swim memberships won’t be the same without having the ability to swim.