07/05/2023
Not only will this be a platform for all things TWG business, but I'd also love to reach a wider community to help educate many parents in water safety, confidence and readiness.
In our rich water-based culture, with gorgeous beaches and fresh waterholes at every turn, water safety should certainly be a top priority.
Early water discovery is key to preparing for lessons. We can easily achieve this at home with our little ones. Some fun bath play is explored in the reel attached to this post, and all equipment used was budget friendly and picked up from kmart. Most things shown here though could be found around the home.
Watering Can: an easy calming stream of water around the baby can help with the progression to cueing. Start by moving the watering can in a circular motion around the baby. I like to sing 'I hear thunder'
Plastic Cup: perfect for cueing. Make sure you use your cueing words clearly and consistently. 'Childs name' ready, GO! Or 'Child's name' 123, water. Start with the back of the head for a few and then progress to the middle, this will allow the water to flow over the face. Cueing practice helps immensely with submersion in lessons !!!
Hand Mirror: this tool is great to get babies happy on their backs. Water in the ears can be something that would knowingly feel strange and be a new sensation at this age, but the sooner we can have babies happy on their backs the easier we will see progression in floating, rolling and recovery skills.
Float Toys, Water Toys and Bubbles: all used for distractions and fine motor skill development.
IMPORTANT - please ensure your child is happy before commencing any of the above practices. Always be prepared to try again another day if bub is not cooperating, and please know you will benefit from being consistent.
Think baby bath, shower floor, kitchen sink, outdoor water play if a conventional bath is not available to you. Reach out at any time if you'd like alternative ideas.
Let's keep our little ones swimming safely π