Everyone knows that exercise is great for children’s physical development but it’s also great for brain development and mental health too. Swimming for children is a fun way to exercise and provides all the benefits to help maintain a happy brain too.
Helps Brain development.
Swimming contributes to brain development by boosting hormones helping with cell growth and the creation of neurons. Studies have shown that fit children tend to have greater brain volume in the hippocampus (the area of the brain associated with memory) This helps the children’s ability for long term retention important for those swimming skills and of course also helps them remember the fun they have in their lessons, ready to do it all again the following week.
Improves social skills.
Swimming is a fun activity and group swimming lessons are a great way for children to develop their social skills. Skills are developed through structured play activities and swimming practices. Children learn to take turns, work in pairs and teams, interacting with each other and the teachers. Swimming lessons can open the children up to a new circle of friends besides those they see every day at school. We often hear the children chatting in the corridor about meeting for lunch, playdates in the holidays and invitations to birthday parties.
Increase Confidence
As adults we know how great it feels when we achieve something. Imagine as a child the confidence boost you would get swimming for the first time without buoyancy aids or jumping in without support. Overcoming fears and achieving goals all contribute to building children’s confidence. The confidence achieved through swimming can then overspill into everyday life, boosting self-esteem and creating a positive outlook that will benefit them not only in the pool, but at home in school and on the sports field.
Reduces Stress
Although no one likes to imagine children suffering from stress, some children can suffer anxiety and low mood. Swimming can help increase endorphins and mood boosting chemicals in the brain. Swimming works all the muscles in the body, helping your children use lots of energy. This in turn can lead to longer uninterrupted sleep, helping them to wake up feeling refreshed and better able to face whatever the day ahead holds.
Happy swimmer
Happy mind
