Eventually your baby will become a toddler and will need to transition to independent swim. When is the best time to transition from parent child swim to independent swim for toddler?

Parent Child Swim Class

My son has been taking swim classes since he was 9 months old.  He is or should I say was clingy to me.  Now that he is 2.5 years old (Wow!) He is becoming more independent and so talkative. The parent child swim classes are so much fun!  On top of that it is extra time bonding with your little one. I remember starting classes with my son at 9 months.  I did not know what to expect since I did not do swim with my older 2 boys.  My little guy was either going to love it or hate it!  But I was pleasantly surprised when he didn’t cry.  The younger you start them, the better, really.  Of course, there will be days when your baby will cry.  The pool may not be warm enough that day or he just does not like a specific activity. 

How will I know if My Toddler is Ready to Transition to Independent Swim?

Ask your instructor what she or he thinks.  I asked a few instructors, since my little one has been at the same swim school, since he started.  They all said this was the perfect timing. The swim school he attends offers 24-36 month classes as well, in the parent child class.  However, the instructors recommend toddlers transition at 2.5 years old to the independent class.  Why, you ask? It is an easier transition for your toddler and the parent.  Less crying in the end.  Now if this is your child’s first swim session, then I don’t blame you to do the parent child class at this age.

How to Make the Transition

I was super excited but sad and nervous, all at the same time, to transition my son to the independent class.  Excited to see him become independent and learn to socialize without me in the pool.  But I was sad that this session would be our LAST together!  And of course, I was nervous, because I did not know what to expect.  Would my son cry or enjoy it?

He is still young but I talked to him about swim class and how he would be in the pool with friends and not mom.  I really don’t think he understood that, but I made it sound very exciting!  The instructors suggested doing an independent class to see how it goes.  What worked for my son was having the same instructor from last session.  He had a familiar face and student!  Plus the class sizes are small.  Three students in total!

Was It Easy?

It was easier than I thought!  He wore his mask, stood in line (on a colored dot) with the other 2 students in his class.  The swim instructor held his hand and walked him in.  My husband and I watched from the window.  It was the cutest thing ever!  Imagine a little person walking over like a big boy and getting into the pool!  He waved to us a couple of times but really focused on the activities in the pool!

Trust Your Instincts

Even if the first day had been tough, he would have eventually got used to it.  I could have transitioned my son when he was just turning 2 but I knew he wasn’t ready yet.  This was the perfect timing for the both of us.  Now that I am pregnant it is easier to just bring my son to swim class instead of going in the pool.  Of course, I already miss going in the pool with my son but it is even more exciting watching another milestone.  INDEPENDENCE and learning to socialize on his own.  This is good preparation for preschool, when that time comes!

Activities

As my son gets older he will be doing more and more activities on his own.  We have enjoyed gymnastics together and other community parent child activities. Of course, there will be more for a few more years.  Once he enters to the world of sports, my husband takes over.  I am not sporty. LOL. Although I enjoy watching my kids play sports!

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