3 Reasons to Take Your Kids Swimming This Winter
To swim, or not to swim? Thats the question many parents face as they approach the winter months, when fevers and runny noses reign. We know your idea of winter after-school or weekend activities probably revolves around a warm fire, but have you considered the benefits of continuing lessons in our 90-degree pool at Goldfish?
We know what youre thinking: Ive heard a lot of bad things about mixing the cold and swimming. But were here to tell you otherwise! If youre not sure about keeping Goldfish lessons on your winter calendar, weve got three reasons that might help you make a decision.
1. Swim lessons help fight the winter blues.
Lets face it: the winter can be a total drag. Below-freezing temperatures dont exactly make for a fun recess or playtime, and your child is probably spending more time on the couch. If youve noticed a change in your childs mood, it might be attributed to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
While this condition has been commonly know to affect adults, the National Institute of Mental Health revealed that up to 5.5% of 9-19-year-old children may have seasonal affective disorder. So whats the best way to combat these seasonal blues in kids? Exercise, of course! swim lessons can increase the amount of serotonin in your childs brain and help to improve mood. Now thats something to smile about!
2. Fun with friends doesnt stop in the pool!
As we discussed above, children spend a lot more time indoors during the winter. Consequently, theyre not getting the same amount of face time with their friends as they do in the warmer months. This can be to your childs detriment, because socialization is key to development.
Group lessons at Goldfish help kids to learn and interact with their peers, while having a whole lot of fun in the process.
3. Swim lessons can actually improve your childs ability to fight infection.
This one may come as a surprise: your child will not catch a cold from being cold and wet after swim lessons, because colds are actually caused by viruses. While that wet hair might feel a little chilly on the walk to the car, its nothing to worry about!
What you should be worried about is the cold winter air. That very air can dry out the mucus lining of your childs nasal passages, making it easier for viruses to get in and make your child sick. Our Goldfish facilities are filled with plenty of warm, humid airnot unlike the air your humidifiers produce at home! Even better? The exercise your child gets from swimming may boost the performance of their immune system, making it more prepared to ward off those bacterial and viral infections.
So grab a warm coat and head on over to Goldfish for a tropical escape this winter. Think of all the practice your child will get in before heading to beach next summer!