How to teach my child them basic breathing techniques?

This article outlines five steps for teaching basic breathing techniques to children learning to swim. It emphasizes the importance of building comfort in the water, demonstrating proper breathing technique, and practicing regularly. Incorporating breathing exercises during bath time is also suggested to help children get more practice.

4/12/20231 min read

topless baby on white bathtub
topless baby on white bathtub

Teaching your child basic breathing techniques is an essential part of helping them learn to swim. Here are five steps to follow:

  1. Build comfort in the water: Start by getting your child comfortable in the water. Let them play and splash around in the water, and practice putting their face in the water and blowing bubbles. You can also incorporate breathing techniques during bath time to help them get used to the feeling of water on their face.

  2. Demonstrate proper breathing technique: Show your child how to take a deep breath and hold it, then put their face in the water and exhale slowly through their nose or mouth. Encourage them to practice this technique by blowing bubbles.

  3. Use toys or objects to encourage breathing: Place a toy or object at the bottom of the pool and have your child practice diving down to retrieve it while holding their breath. You can also use a swim noodle to help them practice breathing and kicking at the same time.

  4. Practice with a kickboard: Have your child hold onto a kickboard and practice breathing while kicking their legs. This will help them get used to the motion of swimming while also focusing on their breathing.

  5. Encourage practice and repetition: Like any skill, learning proper breathing techniques takes practice and repetition. Encourage your child to practice their breathing techniques regularly, both in and out of the water. You can incorporate breathing exercises during bath time to help them get more practice.

Remember to always provide a safe and supportive environment for your child to learn and practice their breathing techniques. With patience, encouragement, and practice, your child will soon be on their way to becoming a confident and skilled swimmer.