When you’re teaching your kids to swim, there’s one key component of giving feedback that you have to use if you’re going to successful. What is it?
Touch.
Take time during the lesson to point out the physical sensations. It usually takes ten or fifteen minutes for a repetitive physical sensation to really register with your brain and muscles, but you can suggest paying attention to the sensations any time along the way. You might think this is advanced for your child, but he was doing these things himself when he learned to crawl, walk, and run.
Touch the part of your child’s body that you want him to focus on. Touch his hip while explaining that that’s where the movement of the kick comes from. Touch his thigh and explain that that’s the muscle that will be doing most of the work.
You can use your hands to help adjust your child’s body gently, guiding him to position himself. Don’t force him into position. If you feel resistance, don’t try to push past it. Use gentle touch and words.
When your kids are learning physical skills, your touch can help them to focus their attention and to feel secure as they’re learning. Also, hugs are fun!