As parents, we often feel the need to entertain our children at every turn. It’s also par for the course for us to question if we’re offering them enough stimulation and enough opportunity to explore and grow. But as important as it is for parents to keep kids active and give them plenty of activities to choose from throughout the day, it’s equally important to give them time to just be. Have you ever noticed that it’s in these quiet moments when we have to make a phone call or try to wash one last load of dishes, that your children often end up entertaining themselves? This independent play and use of their imaginations, is so important for child development as well as their mental wellbeing. And you can encourage their wildest dreaming and most creative expressions in a couple of ways.
Child-Led Play
As you might’ve guessed, child-led play is a term that refers to allowing your kids to lead the way during playtime. This can be during independent play, play with their friends, or play with you the parents. The point of this time is to allow your child to follow their mind and heart in doing whatever feels natural and exciting to them (within safe parameters, of course). Swimming with your child is a great time to encourage child-led play. It’s not difficult at all; in fact, you can just be in the moment with your little one and see what unfolds.
Maybe they are a mermaid, and you’re the sea creature who has to chase them to get to the treasure, or maybe there’s an outlandish game they’ve created that they want you to take part in. However your child directs the time, your job is simply to be present and go with the flow. This is such a special time for bonding, and also goes a long way in stimulating your child’s imagination.
Parent-Led Play
If you’re trying to allow child-led play to happen, but your small counterpart isn’t in the mood for directing, then you can try parent-led play. Parent-led play can also be a fun experience for everyone involved, especially when swimming. As adults, we’re so often wrapped up in the day-to-day grind of to-do lists and work and responsibility that it can be tough to let our own imaginations run free. If you let yourself dream a little, and invite your child into your own pretend world, you can end up sharing in a fun time and making really special memories.
Maybe you choose to be a submarine and ask your child to be the captain, or perhaps you act like you’re in the Olympics, and your child is about to show off their best cannonball for the judges. If your child is in swimming lessons, you can use this time to reinforce skills they’re learning. However, if you do that, be sure to keep it light and fun – there should be no pressure during imaginative play.
Children can build swimming skills and their imaginations, all while developing their minds and bodies while having fun in the pool. You can be a part of these crucial steps in child development. By letting your imaginations run wild, you’re both guaranteed to have a great time, boost your mental wellbeing, and enjoy the moment. Contact us if you’d like to learn about our swimming programs, or more about how swimming lessons can help child development.
Conversations