Evie just wrapped up her first set of swimming lessons for this summer. We took her last year for the first time, and ended up doing two sessions we enjoyed it so much. We were not sure how things were going to go this time with Evie being older, and more independent. She want’s to do everything on her own.
The earliest Parent & Tot lessons were close to her nap time so we knew that we were taking a risk, but we couldn’t do the evening set because they are at her bed time. Have to pick the easier battle right? Â We also learned from last summer that the morning sessions are not as busy as evening ones, you also have less older kids around the pool it seems. So less risk of Evie getting accidentally bumped into. It took her a few days to get used to the new routine, but she knew when she saw the swim bag full of our swimming gear that it was time to head to the car and go to the pool.
The instructors we have had, have all been great. Each one is very different from the other, some are more energetic, others more calm and easy going. Each time we have done the Parent & Tot lessons the instructor has been able to figure out what works with Evie. This time it was showing her how to do things so that she could do them on her own. For example the parents were all asked to set their kid on the wall and have them kick their feet. Last summer we helped Evie kick her feet by lifting them up and down for her. This time the instructor hop onto the wall too and showed her how to kick her feet. She was splashing us on her own in no time.
While she still does not like to do a back float, she was thrilled by all the different games we would play during the lessons. We’d sing songs like “Making a purple stew” or a song about hoping aboard a pirates ship at the age of one. Each song has actions for the kids and parents to do, so it gets everyone involved. The instructors are great about going back and forth from a “liked” activity such as a game, and into a lesson for something like teaching your little one how to kick their feet while on their back. This way they is always something fun around the corner.
The highlight though of swimming lessons this time round had to be the slide. The pool we went to has a little slide in the corner that is perfect for toddlers. Our instructor this time would wrap up the lessons by letting all the kids go down the little slide. Evie loved this and would be asking for more before she even hit the water, and was back in our arms.
The City of Surrey has very kindly provided me with some Complimentary Admission Passes for drop-in activities. Who would like to go swimming with their family? Be sure to enter the giveaway by clicking on the rafflecopter link below. (Giveaway open to residents of BC who can get to a City of Surrey recreation location).
So proud of herself. She got a certificate at the end of her lessons.
Some more places where swimming is mentioned on the blog:
Swimming Lessons
Summer Bucket List
Keeping Cool on Hot Summer Days
Swimming, Swimming in My Swimming Pool
We love going swimming…our kids (8, 5 and 2) especially love the slides!
I think kids and swimming just go hand in hand. Good luck Louise!
Thanks for the giveaway! I have a family of 4, including my hubby and myself Our girls just turned 5 and 1! We would LOVE to have passes!!!
Two girls! Love it! My hubby is hoping we have another girl some day… I think so I don’t have to buy more clothing 😉
Thank you for entering and best of luck to you.
I haven’t taken my twins to a pool yet as I find the very thought of it daunting but I would really like to go since they have so much fun in the wading pool in grandpa’s backyard.
Be brave Karen! You can do it.
We have loved the programs they offer!
Same here! I’m so impressed.
We love the pool! Although, find it a bit expensive for just one baby with 2 adults… I’m hoping to start taking advantage of the free Surrey outdoor pools.
I need to check out the outdoor pools sometime too. I agree it can be expensive. I love that there are often deal days, but I’m super excited for this giveaway. Hoping some families have a fun time out at the pool! Good luck!
Thanks for the info and giveaway 🙂
Michelle you ate very welcome!
We love the drop in swimming..would love to go skating!! 6 in our family 🙂 we have 1 girl 3 boys!!
I am so looking forward to going skating this fall! Can’t wait to take my daughter. What age did your kids all start to learn how to skate?
Our favorite drop in activity is swimming, we usually do more of it in the fall/winter though. Family of four, ages 4yr and 1yr.
Is it less busy in the fall/winter? I may have to see about taking my daughter then if it is!
We love our swimming! Family of four, kids ages 4yr and 1yr. 🙂
Wahoo! love hearing when other families enjoy going swimming too.
We went to the pool the other day, and DD loved it (in the past she didn’t like it quite as much) so we are going to start going more often. There are just the 2 of us.
It’s always good to get them warmed up to it. I hope your DD starts to really enjoy it!
Eden starts a set of lessons on Monday 🙂
That’s so exciting. I hope her lessons go well, and that she gets a great instructor.