Building Attachment and Trust

Learning to swim is more than just a physical skill—it’s an opportunity for children and carers to connect. The feeling of support in the water is a powerful experience that can enhance the bond between parent and child.

In our busy lives, we often have less quality time than we’d like, and taking your child swimming offers one of the few occasions where your child has your undivided attention.

Taking a baby or child swimming for the first time can feel daunting, especially for adoptive parents whose child may have unknown previous water experience. You may have many questions, but there is usually nothing to worry about. With the right introduction and guidance, both parent and child can feel confident and safe in the water from the start.

Swimming is a fun and rewarding family activity. Children often say it is their favorite pastime. Beyond enjoyment, swimming helps:

Improve overall fitness

Develop coordination and balance

Stimulate brain development

Increase appetite, helping with healthy growth

Improve sleep patterns through physical exertion

The challenges and achievements children experience in swimming also help build confidence, which can positively influence many other areas of their lives.

Within our Adoptive Parents Swimming Course, we focus on strengthening the parent-child bond through water. We provide new parents with the confidence and skills to:

Overcome any historic water fears

Handle and support their child safely and effectively

Ensure the child enjoys the water in a safe, fun, and engaging way

We also teach the basics of water safety and child rescue, giving parents the skills to always be there when it matters most. These essential skills could one day save a life.