Life’s all about those little moments, like when the sun’s out, and you decide it’s the perfect day to take your kid to the pool. Swimming is a healthy activity that can be fun, help you stay fit, and make friends. It’s also a low-impact activity that can have many physical and mental health benefits. But, ah, the prep work! No worries, though; we’ve got a handy guide right here. And remember, we also have a Goal Mine video class just for this. If you’re more of a visual person, give it a watch!
Table of Contents
| Step Number | Task |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check the Weather |
| 2 | Swim Suit Ready |
| 3 | Packing 101 |
| 4 | The Art of Sunscreen Application |
Step 1: Check the Weather
It’s not just about the sun or rain. It’s about preparing your kids for a fun, safe time.
- Decide on the Desired Time to Go to the Pool
- Teach your kids to consider when they’d like to swim. Early morning? Late afternoon? It’s a good lesson in planning.
- Tech Time with Kids
- Use this moment to teach them about weather apps on your smartphone or computer. Let them press the buttons and read out the forecast.
- Making Safe Choices
- Discuss with them why certain weather conditions might be unsuitable for a pool day. It’s a great time to touch on safety and health!
Step 2: Swim Suit Ready
Turning the simple act of dressing into a lesson of independence.
- Choosing Together: Let them select their swimwear. It teaches them decision-making and ensures they’re comfortable with their choice.
- Privacy Matters: Teach them the importance of changing in private spaces. It’s not just about etiquette but about self-respect and safety.
- Independent Dressing: Could you encourage them to change by themselves? For the younger ones, turn it into a fun challenge. “Can you wear your swimsuit faster than you can sing the ABCs?”
Read more: Pool Safety for Kids
Step 3: Packing 101
Packing isn’t just tossing things in a bag. It’s an organizational skill!
- Item Selection: With your guidance, let them decide what they’d like to bring. Towel, snacks, toys – but remind them, less is often more.
- Clothes for Later: A lesson in foresight. Ask them why they might want to bring a change of clothes. Let them think it through.
- Remembering Essentials: Use this as an opportunity to teach responsibility. If your pool requires passes, let them be in charge (with supervision).
- Bagging It: Teach them to pack neatly and efficiently. It’s a life skill they’ll thank you for later.
Read more: Top 3 Sports for Kids With ADHD
Step 4: The Art of Sunscreen Application
Safety and self-care rolled into one.
- Choosing Wisely: Let them hold the sunscreen bottles and read the SPF numbers. Teach them higher numbers mean more protection.
- Application Fun: Turn this into a game. “Can you dot sunscreen on all the spots that need protecting?” This is also a great way to teach body parts to younger ones!
- Teamwork: Sunscreen application is also about trust. Teach them to ask for help for those hard-to-reach spots.
- Patience Training: Waiting for sunscreen to dry can test any kid’s patience. Turn it into a mini-meditation or calm breathing session.
Goally | 100+ Streaming Video Classes
Does your child need some extra guidance on building essential life skills? Goally’s skill building tablet for kids includes a TV app that has the most robust video library of skills training videos for kids. Ranging from content like “How to Brush Your Teeth” to “How to Make Friends at School,” we have dozens of interactive video lessons for kids with thinking and learning differences.
HERE’s a video explaining how to works.
Parents, prepping for a pool day isn’t just about swimming. It’s a series of invaluable lessons – from planning to safety, decision-making to responsibility. And while this guide offers a step-by-step approach, remember that the bonding and the memories genuinely matter. Keen on more? Grab Goally’s dedicated Tablet to unlock the rest of the video lessons. Step #1 is just the tip of the iceberg!
FAQ’s About How to Get Ready to Go to the Pool
What are the essentials to pack for a pool day? Essentials include swimwear, towels, sunscreen, snacks, water, and pool toys. How can I prepare my child for the pool? Familiarize them with water through fun bath times, discuss pool safety, and consider swimming lessons. What are some safety measures for kids at the pool? Always supervise your child, ensure they wear floaties if needed, and teach them not to run around the pool. How can I make the pool experience fun for my child? Bring along their favorite water-friendly toys, play games, and encourage them to make friends. How can I use a visual schedule for a pool day? A visual schedule can outline the sequence of activities like changing, applying sunscreen, swimming, snack time, and packing up.
This post was originally published on 08/28/2023. It was updated on 02/15/2024.
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