NAME, READY, GO – The Importance of Conditioning
We want the learning to swim experience to be as enjoyable and trauma free for our kids as possible. This starts with teaching the kids to hold their breath and learn to respond to our trigger words in a way that is playful, but practical.
Conditioning is a great way to start to get kids to understand their breath control which makes going under and building stamina a much smoother process.This is a fundamental technique we use in lessons that is easily practiced at home.
Here are some important tips to remember when doing conditioning with your bubs
– When conditioning use consistent verbal triggers – We use NAME, READY, GO, remember to finish saying GO before you pour the water
– If bub is visibly upset, wait until they are happier or have calmed down before continuing conditioning.
– When starting only use a small amount of water over bubs face, as they get used to it you can start putting slightly more or pouring a little slower to help improve their stamina
– Remember you only need to repeat the process 3 times each bath time, as they get used to it they will start to close their eyes and their mouths when you say it.
– Even if you have a child that doesn’t like to go under, conditioning is still important as it prepares them for later down the track when they may decide going under is ok again!
– Always remember to praise them and smile, the more fun you make it, the more fun it will be.
Happy Bath time Everyone!
There are many swim lesson providers for babies and toddlers all over the city, offering different programs. Many other programs are based on water familiarity and building confidence through song and rhyme. At the Duck and Dive baby swim school we go beyond these basic stages, as we recognise the importance of survival skills and aim to nurture a lifelong love of the water…
