Toddlers are in the most critical phase of their development as human beings. At this age, they begin to develop their personality. They are filled with curiosity about how the world works. And they start to see with their own eyes. Do not be surprised when your toddler takes on the habit of asking you weird questions during mealtime. That’s their way of making sense of everything that’s happening around them. Indulge their sense of wonder. Keep in mind that all interactions and experiences they partake in during this stage will have a lasting effect that will spill over to adulthood. Do not sabotage your toddler. Or worse, allow them to nurture an inner saboteur that will hover over them for the rest of their lives.
You need to guide your toddler throughout the process of their earliest self-discovery. Ideally, you have a family health coach guiding you. Cover all the bases, from your toddler’s psychological development to their physical progress.
As for the latter, consider engaging your toddler in physical activities. For instance, swimming. Here we will discuss how your toddler will benefit from attending a swimming class.
Boosts muscle development
No, your goal is not to jump-start your toddler’s journey into becoming a muscle god or goddess with a lucrative thirst-trapping career on Instagram. Your goal is to ensure that your child gets essential muscle development. And that’s possible via swimming. Remember that muscle retention is key to a better metabolism, which translates to reduced risk for obesity.
Nurture cognitive skills
Every parent wants the best for their children. And by best, we mean you likely aspire that your kid will have a fighting chance of landing a slot in one of those Ivy League schools when they’re old enough for college. If that’s part of your goal, start as early as now with their cognitive development. Again, here’s where swimming comes in. This activity has been linked to improved visual-motor, problem-solving, and comprehension skills.
Improves sleeping habit
Toddlers are notorious for their erratic sleeping patterns. That’s an added concern for parents, especially those who need to juggle raising a family with a full-time career. You might be ready for bedtime, but your kid’s still fully charged, ready to do a hundred cartwheels. You have no choice but to stay awake and look after them. Now, if your toddler’s in a swimming class, they will feel physically depleted by the end of the day. They’ll get drowsy fast. In no time, they will have succumbed to a sleeping pattern that’s beneficial to them and you.
Boosts cardiovascular health
Living with a cardiovascular condition is debilitating. And it affects the people around those afflicted as well. Your toddler’s cardiovascular health will get a boost from swimming. Organs such as the lungs, heart, and nerves benefit from this exercise. Your toddler’s risk of getting asthma will be reduced significantly, among other health benefits. That means your child can pursue as many adventures as they would love to once they get old enough because nothing’s holding them back.
Improves appetite
This is another concern for busy parents. Some toddlers are too finicky when it’s mealtime. No matter what you serve them, they’ll find a reason not to finish what’s on their plate. And that’s not only a waste of money on your end but a waste of potential growth for your toddler as well. This is where regular physical activities such as swimming are advantageous. A tired kid is a hungry kid. Soon they’ll be raiding the fridge for something to eat even without your nudging.
Promotes balance and coordination
Let swimming be your toddler’s gateway sport. It will vastly improve their sense of balance and coordination. Once they got those on point, they can begin exploring other sports that require those competencies. Think basketball or figure skating. Maybe lawn tennis even. Your toddler can become the next Roger Federer or Serena Williams. You will be cheering on the sidelines.
Your toddler should engage in as many activities as they possibly can. That way, from early on, they will know which suits or interests them best. You’re a lucky parent if your toddler proves excellent at everything. But that does not have to be your goal.
Your goal is to let your toddler have as much fun as they can while they are still worry-less and stress-free. Surely, when they grow up, they’ll thank you for the memories.
So bond with your toddler via swimming. If time permits, expand to other fun and beneficial activities.
