by Betsy Stern | Mar 11, 2019 | Benefits of Swim Lessons, Swim Safety, Swim Tips, Why Swim Lesssons
As parents, we all understand the safety benefits of swim lessons. Swimming is an extracurricular activity that is fun AND life-saving. But did you know there are many benefits to swim lessons beyond the skills they are learning in the water? Self Confidence: Swim... 
by Catherine Bell | Mar 7, 2019 | Benefits of Swim Lessons, Swim Safety, Swim Tips
Overcoming a fear of water can be hard on the student Seeing a child afraid is hard on any parent. Seeing that same child suffer from a fear that could turn into a lifelong obstacle – is downright terrifying. Fear of the water, though a normal behavior in many kids,... 
by Betsy Stern | Mar 5, 2019 | Parenting Ideas, Swim Tips
Ear infections are the most common illness in children, and if you’ve been unlucky enough to have a child experience one, you know they are NO FUN. Not for your child and not for mom and dad! Many parents wonder what ear infections mean for swimming – can your child... 
by Catherine Bell | Mar 1, 2019 | Benefits of Swim Lessons, Swim Safety, SwimWest updates
Karen Clay says she grew up a small farm girl and in many ways is still one deep inside. A Midwest native and graduate of the University of Minnesota, Karen never started out to make a lot of money but instead to educate people about her passion for swimming and the... 
by Betsy Stern | Feb 19, 2019 | Parenting Ideas
For those of us with swimmers and non-swimmers in our brood, keeping the non-swimmers happy during swim lessons is no easy task. So before they drive you batty during that time or any time they aren’t involved and may have to wait, read up on a few tips from... 
by Alison | Feb 15, 2019 | Parenting Ideas, Swim Tips
Chlorine protects us from the harmful bacteria that can grow in our pool, but it can have an averse effect on our body, leaving our skin dry and itchy and our hair dry and brittle. SwimWest Swim Instructor and Mom of 2, Amy Horvath, gives us some tips on how to... 
by Betsy Stern | Feb 12, 2019 | Benefits of Swim Lessons, Parenting Ideas, Swim Safety
As a parent, I want my kids to love the water as much as I did as a kid – diving for rings, playing Marco Polo, blowing bubbles, racing their friends, sliding down slides or just splashing in the pool…Swimming is such a great way to cool off on a hot day, exercise or... 
by Catherine Bell | Feb 8, 2019 | Benefits of Swim Lessons, Parenting Ideas
Keeping them moving in the winter While it’s a little easier in the summer to keep our children moving, the winter can present some challenges. As parents, it’s up to us to encourage them to exercise even throughout these colder, winter months. When cabin fever... 
by Catherine Bell | Jan 31, 2019 | Parenting Ideas, Swim Tips
. . . and how to know if you’re pushing too hard One of the great parenting decisions we all face at some point is when to push our kids and when to back off. For each child there is a different answer and for each family a different story. However, with a... 
by Betsy Stern | Jan 21, 2019 | Swim Safety, uncategorized
It’s that time of year again! The season of coughs and colds, flus and fevers. The season parents find themselves asking, “Is my child too sick for swim lessons?” Sometimes the answer is simple – your kiddo has a fever or diarrhea (STAY HOME!) but sometimes it’s a...