Swimming Lessons - now or later?

[butterfly_warrior]

Personally, I'd wait.

Not everyone knows what it is like to have a small child and a compromised immune system. I do - it is HELL!

Sam is two - and shoot me, but he hasn't had swimming lessons yet, and it's still likely to be a while. I've heard of so many of my friends' children getting constant ear infections and other bugs - that have all stopped when they are pulled out of swimming lessons.

I just can't take the risk of Sam getting sick more often than he does. If he gets sick, I get sick. If I get sick, I can't take my medication. If I can't take my medication, I can't walk. I can't care for him.

You may not agree, but for me the ability to care for my son on a day to day basis is far more important than swimming lessons!

BW

[NaeNae]

Not everyone knows what it is like to have a small child and a compromised immune system. I do - it is HELL!

Isn't it her hubby who's at risk? I dunno maybe I read it wrong. I think the baby has been ill coz he caught the bugs at the child care place?? ear infections are one thing and they are not contagious (had them all my life and no one has caught one off me), gastric bugs go around and can be picked up anywhere. I was under the impression the OP has said she is worried about colds and flu and swimming. I am merely pointing out you cannot catch those viruses unless you are swapping spit or are in particular close quaters and not from taking a little one swimming

[butterfly_warrior]

Still, if there's bugs in the house, it's not likely that Caramello's DH can avoid his own son and avoid catching them.

The thing with compromised immune systems like this is that stuff that most people wouldn't normally catch, we can. To the extent that I am advised to wear gloves when changing my own son's nappy after he has immunisations. Things that aren't a bother for other people can become a huge deal for us.

BW

[Nai]

I think if you are concerned then wait until your DP has a less compromised immune system. If your DS is already picking up bugs it is most likely that he will miss lessons anyway. At 8months old I don't think 10 weeks waiting is going to have a massive impact on his overall level of swimming ability. There are plenty of activities you can do with him in the bath at home or at a heated pool if you want to take him yourself but not commit to the full weekly lessons. I am happy to help you if you want some guidance in what to do with him.

[Beach Mama]

Just thought of something else, I got a DVD by that well known swimming coach - Laurie Lawrence who has a website about kidsafety and water safety etc. I never ended up using it much but it had 5 basic things that all swimming lessons cover and how you can do that with your child. Might be worth getting your hands on a copy ( I will see if I can find mine for you if you want it- just need to find it first!) and then you could go to the pool regularly in your own time for play and also and do some of the things he suggests. Not saying that it will be the same as lessons but you might be able to start teaching him to blow bubbles, kick, how to get in and out safely etc. xoxoxo

[Freya]

I agree with Nai. As much as I am a huge advocate of swimming lessons from as young as possible, another 10wks of waiting at 8mths old isnt a big deal. Im a swim instructor (specifically for babies classes) and I can assure you, even my babies who have been coming since they were 3mths old still hit a stage around 13-18mths where they refuse to do anything, esp putting their head under water or floating on their back. I even have 2+yr kids who were floating for 15min fully clothed as aquababies but who cant float to save their life as preschoolers (Seahorses level where I work).

If I was sticking around in Sydney I would offer to meet you one day and show you some of the drills we do with babies in the pool. If you want some idea's though, to practice in your own time, just send me a pm

PS - Laurie Lawrence is amazing so if you can get your hands on any of his DVDs (we learn to train with them) then do have a watch! I will say though that teaching your own kid to swim doesnt in any way replace having a qualified instructor do it, which is why my boys go to lessons just like everyone else even though technically I am more than able to teach them myself! Definately something for the 'mean time' but find a good reputable school close to your area for when your able to take him (even if it is summertime, we have a massive drop in classes over winter because alot of kids get sick).

[Smoke Jaguar]

Yep, I also write from the perspective of someone who was lucky enough to live within driving distance from Cookie Harkin's (at the time, and then Emma Henderson who took over) classes in Ringwood - that lady's life's work is baby swimming and the developmental connections between swimming and brain development. I do forget that this is such a unique program, taking for granted that my kids had a particularly excellent introduction to swimming! Well, I DID take it for granted...till we moved to the country!
ETA: took too long to post! Thanks, Nae, that four day summer was fun, wasn't it? *sigh*

[NaeNae]

that four day summer was fun, wasn't it? *sigh*

yeah ... welcome to Gippy it snowed my first year here maybe we'll be lucky like that again this year, its already cold enough!!

[inlove]

Caramello do what is right for your family. Sounds like you have lots on your plate at the moment and waiting till things settle down may make more sense. It will not do any harm to wait. What did people do with their babies before baby swimming lessons started? They haven't been around forever. At this age it is all about water familiarisation, when you have time just go to the pool for a play. Why stress yourself out?