More than a physical activity, swimming contributes to human evolution. When we talk about children, it is possible to clearly see the impact on development through swimming lessons.
In fact, this is a perception that we can also found on “The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog” by Dr. Bruce D. Perry and Maia Szalavitz. This book provides profound insights into how trauma affects children’s development and the critical role that nurturing environments play in their healing and growth.
At Easy2Swim, we integrate these principles into our swimming lessons, ensuring that each child is not only learning to swim but also developing in a healthy and supportive environment.
This article compares the teachings from the book with our approach at Easy2Swim, highlighting the importance of creating a nurturing environment for children’s overall development.
Key teachings from “The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog”
The Impact of Trauma on Development
Dr. Perry’s work reveals how trauma can disrupt normal brain development, leading to emotional, behavioral, and cognitive issues.
The book underscores the importance of early intervention and trauma-informed care to help children heal and thrive.
The Power of Relationships
The healing power of relationships is a central theme in the book. Dr. Perry illustrates how consistent, nurturing relationships with caregivers provide the stability and security that children need to heal from trauma.
Empathy, patience, and understanding are crucial in building these relationships.
The role of routine and predictability
The book discusses the importance of routine and predictability in a child’s life. For children who have experienced trauma, a predictable environment provides a sense of control and security, helping them regulate their emotions and behavior.
Easy2Swim’s approach to creating a healthy environment
At Easy2Swim, we understand the importance of creating a nurturing environment for children’s development.
We design our swimming lessons to provide stability, encourage emotional expression, promote positive relationships, and support cognitive and physical development.
Stability and security in swimming lessons
We ensure that our swimming lessons provide a stable and secure environment for children.
In fact, we structure our classes with consistent routines, helping children feel safe and confident. We set clear expectations and provide a supportive atmosphere where children can explore and learn at their own pace.
Encouraging emotional expression
At Easy2Swim, we encourage children to express their emotions openly. Our instructors are empathetic and patient, creating a safe space for children to share their feelings.
We validate their emotions and help them develop healthy ways to manage and express their feelings.
Building positive relationships
Our instructors build strong, positive relationships with each child, providing the nurturing connections that are essential for healthy development.
We engage with children in meaningful ways, showing genuine interest in their progress and celebrating their achievements. This approach helps children develop trust and feel valued.
Supporting cognitive and physical development
Once again, we design our swimming lessons to support both cognitive and physical development. We provide stimulating activities that challenge children’s minds and bodies, encouraging curiosity and learning.
Regular physical activity in the pool helps children develop strength, coordination, and endurance, contributing to their overall physical health.
Addressing trauma and promoting resilience
We are aware of the potential impact of trauma and adversity on children’s development. Our instructors are trained to be attuned to signs of distress and provide appropriate support.
We create a trauma-informed environment where children feel safe and supported, helping them build resilience and recover from challenging experiences.
Development through swimming
“The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog” offers valuable insights into the impact of trauma on children’s development and the importance of nurturing environments for healing.
At Easy2Swim, we assess each child’s progress not only in terms of swimming skills but also in their overall development. We consider their emotional well-being, social interactions, and cognitive growth. This holistic approach ensures that we are supporting the development of a healthy child in every aspect.
By providing stability, encouraging emotional expression, promoting positive relationships, supporting cognitive and physical development, and addressing trauma, we help children thrive both in and out of the water.
Our holistic approach ensures that each child not only becomes a proficient swimmer but also develops into a healthy, confident, and resilient individual.
