How I Prep for Swim Lessons as a Mom of 2 (and Instructor!)
Swim lessons are kind of my life—literally. As a certified survival swim instructor and mom of two energetic girls, I live in a world of towels, swim diapers, and wet ponytails. And while it might look like we just roll up to the pool, trust me—there’s a method behind the (mom) madness.
If you're juggling swim lessons and toddler wrangling, here's a peek into how I prep for lessons—whether I'm the one teaching or sitting poolside cheering on my own kiddos.
1. I Prep the Night Before (Because Mornings Are Chaos)
Before the house turns into a whirlwind of breakfast negotiations and missing socks, I:
Pack the swim bag with towels, dry clothes, lotion, water shoes, and snacks
Check the weather (because wet swimsuits and freezing temps = no fun)
Lay out swimsuits and cover-ups for both girls
Grab a clean reusable wet bag for post-lesson cleanup
🛒 My favorite Amazon finds:
2. I Block Out Plenty of Time
Even though lessons are only 10 minutes long, our swim morning routine starts early. Why? Because I’ve learned that:
Rushing = stress, and kids feel it
Someone will need to go potty after we’re dressed
I’d rather arrive 10 minutes early than spend the first half of the lesson trying to calm everyone down
I aim for calm, not chaos. (That’s the dream anyway.)
3. No Food 2 Hours Before
This one's not just a mom rule—it's an instructor must. Swimming on a full belly can lead to upset tummies or even vomiting. So we cut off food two hours before and offer small sips of water if needed.
4. I Set the Mood
Especially for new swimmers, I like to:
Talk positively about lessons beforehand (“I can’t wait to see your big kicks today!”)
Avoid phrases like “It’s okay to be scared”—instead, I say things like “You are so brave!” or “You’re learning something amazing!”
As both a mom and instructor, I promise they feed off our energy. If we’re calm and confident, it helps them feel the same.
5. I Pack Smart
Here’s what’s always in my swim bag:
✅ Extra swimsuit (because… toddlers)
✅ Swim diaper & backup
✅ Hooded towel
✅ Wet bag
✅ Flip flops or Crocs
✅ Moisturizer (chlorine is harsh!)
✅ Post-swim snack
✅ A bottle of water—for me too!
🛒 Shop my must-haves:
6. I Give Us Grace
Some days are smooth. Some days someone’s crying, someone’s half-dressed, and I’m questioning everything. But here’s what I always remind myself:
Consistency is key.
Progress looks different every day.
And we’re all doing our best.
Whether you're a swim parent or a fellow instructor, prepping for lessons doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be consistent and filled with love (and maybe snacks).
