Swimming: Ditch the Water Wings
Swimming: Ditch the Water Wings
An LP mom who competed at the World Dwarf Games shares what helped her children build skills and confidence in the water.
LP mom here.
I’m 4 feet tall and I have two children, one AH and one LP. Both began parent-and-child swim lessons as babies. We did not use inflatable arm bands as safety equipment. We stayed within reach, held them when needed, and kept them in lessons while they worked through each milestone at their own pace. It took years, even for my average-height daughter. Nothing has been better than watching both children become more capable and confident in the water.
Dwarf Mom’s Story
I learned how to “survive” swimming by my military dad just telling me to figure it out. In my 40s, I enrolled myself in swim lessons to learn proper techniques and formal strokes. It took me years to learn. I challenged myself and swam in my first ever competition at the World Dwarf Games.
For current guidance, see the CDC’s drowning-prevention recommendations and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ life-jacket guidance.
Has your LP child reached a swimming milestone or competed in DAAA or World Dwarf Games events? Share your story in the comments — these are exactly the kind of encouraging experiences other LP families need to hear.