Interview with Helen Halls, Kingswim Centre ManagerĀ
The growth and development of children are diverse, and the summer break is an opportunity for children to experience diversified growth. Ensuring that children have a summer holiday that is both joyful and meaningful involves a balance of learning, play, and the development of good habits.
Why is it important to keep kids active during the holidays
Having a scheduled activity encourages children to remain socially connected and provides aĀ sense of routine over the long summer holiday period. This can make the transition easier for both parents and kids when the first day back at school comes around. Sporting activities likeĀ Ā
swimming gives kids the opportunity to interact with new peers and broaden their social circle,Ā alongside the overall health benefits of regular physical activity, such as improved sleep and eating habits.Ā
What are some common challenges parents face
A lot of activities for kids can be quite expensive with the cost adding up over the long summer holiday break, particularly in the current cost-of-living crisis. Continuing to come up with ideas to keep kids entertained and socially connected can be tiring, expensive, and take up significant periods that may not be available to working parents. Just because kids are on school holidays, doesnāt mean parents are. School holiday programs like Kingswimās Fast Track HolidayĀ Swimming Lessons can help kids stay active and entertained with a four-day program of classes ranging from 30 minutes to an hour.Ā
During school holiday periods, working parents may need to lean on other resources to help take care of their kids, such as grandparents and babysitters. Organised swimming lessons likeĀ Kingswimās Fast Track program provide additional security for parents knowing that their kids are safe, being taken care of and having fun while also being supervised by qualified professionals.Ā
What are some engaging activities or sports parents can considerĀ
Especially in the summer holidays, swimming lessons are the perfect school holiday activity, where children can burn off some energy, connect with their peers and be mentally stimulated all whilst having fun in the water on a hot day.
Having regular swimming lessons can help kids become confident in the water, making them more excited for any upcoming family trips to the beach or a pool-side location (not to mention safe!). Swimming is a skill for life, and investing in swimming lessons until your kids have mastered the basic strokes can increase your options for water-based holiday and provide your children with confidence and a sense of achievement.
How to strike a balance between structured sports activities and free play
Structured activities mustnāt take up entire days in the holidays, as kids will become tired and might start to dread going to the activity in the same way some struggle with long school days during the school term. Shorter activities such as Kingswimās Fast Track SchoolĀ Holiday Swimming Program can help parents and kids find this balance, with lessons running for no longer than 1 hour each day.
Having a structured activity like swimming lessons, even if only scheduled once per week, can help parents plan free play activities with friends around this structure, ensuring that their children have a balance of both activities in their week. Additionally,Ā group activities are an opportunity to meet new families with similar interests, with the potential to spark up a regular playdate at the park after swimming lessons, giving the best of both worlds.Ā Ā
Are there specific age-appropriate considerations when selecting holiday activities
Depending on the age of your child, the types of activities they are interested in, and the amount of time spent doing certain activities, will change. For example, as children are older and have aĀ solid group of school friends, they may require more time with these friends at the movies or hanging out at each otherās houses.
Younger children are more likely to want to participate in family activities, knowing their parents/siblings are right there with them. Structured programs such as Kingswimās Fast Track School Holiday Swimming Lessons can be beneficial for parents of multiple children, as each of their children can participate in swimming lessons tailored to their age and swimming ability, whilst also providing peer-group connection and socialisation for kids of all ages.Ā Ā
Benefits beyond improving the physical health
There are so many holistic benefits for children who participate in school holiday sports and activities, including mental stimulation, improved mood and sleep, social connection and a sense of pride and achievement. Activities like swimming lessons allow children to play with their peers whilst learning and work towards achievements that boost their self-confidence and provide them with mental and physical challenges.Ā
School swimming carnivals generally occur after the summer holidays, early in Term 1. Your kids being able to participate with confidence and excitement is quite an achievement as, unfortunately, many school-aged children are unable to participate or properly enjoy these school events due to a lack of swimming ability.Ā
How to incorporate learning and skill development into holiday sports programs
Parents should consider the types of activities their kids enjoy and how these activities that their kids already participate in promote learning and skill development. These activities need to incorporate fun and learning, as children need a break from feeling like they are at school every day, so activities that combine learning with play are going to be the most enjoyable for your children.Ā Ā
Success stories from parents
Itās always so rewarding to see the smiles of beginners when they hit swimming milestones for the first time. For example, immersing their whole face in the water without goggles and floating on their back confidently on their own. Watching children grow and increase in confidence,Ā particularly throughout our school holiday program, is rewarding for our teachers and their parents who see noticeable changes in their childās demeanour.Ā Ā
An interesting insight we have found from hosting our school holiday program is that some kids need a little push outside of their comfort zone to strengthen their water confidence. However, it is important to ensure that this push is well-supported and has long-term benefits.Ā Swimming is a lifelong skill and our Fast Track Holiday Program is run by qualified professionals,Ā meaning the parents can trust that their child is in safe and experienced hands.