Of all the challenges solo parenting can bring into your life, one thing is for certain- being a single parent can also bring isolation.

When you’re parenting alone there’s a whole range of extra pressures and worries dual-parent families usually don’t experience.

Child support arrears, Family Court Orders, Centrelink single parenting benefits info and even Domestic Violence Orders seem a whole world away from normal two-parent family parenting problems. So when you feel like you need a chat, or just a listening ear you may find that your married or partnered-up friends have difficulty relating to your separated parenting problems – which leaves you feeling more isolated and alone than ever.

So where can single parents turn to for help?

The answer is that your single parent tribe is waiting for you online – you should join a single parent support group!

The following online single parenting groups are the biggest and best in Australia.  Well established and moderated, they accept Australian members only, and are the top single parent online support groups in Australia. Best of all – they are all completely free to join.

1. Australian Single Mum Support Group

The number one Australian single mums Facebook group by a country mile, this twenty-five-thousand plus member group is the official Facebook-recognised community leader. It also happens to be one of the most highly engaged groups on Facebook, with hundreds of thousands of engagements each month! Here you can connect, share, learn and vent with like-minded single mums who “get” you and your Aussie single mum life. All you need to join is to be an Australian resident, and a single mum!

Definition of a single mum / single parent

For the purposes of membership of our groups our definition of an Australian single parent and single mum (or sole parent/solo parent is as follows;

An individual who doesn’t have a physical relationship with their child’s other biological parent. It is acceptable for single parents to be re-partnered and still join our groups

Join the Australian Single Mum Support Group here

2. Australian Single Parent Support Group

The biggest online Aussie single mum and single dad group there is, with over ten thousand single parent members and many Australian single parent discussions each day – be it child support, family court, child custody or meal planning! It’s worthwhile noting that this is not a single parent romance group – it’s a single parent support community.  (So don’t join this one if you’re ONLY looking for a new romantic partner online – join our romance group instead, here!)

Join the Australian Single Parent Support Group here

3. Australian Separated, Single & Divorced Mums Facebook Page

With over 40,000 Australian single mother (and single father) followers, this is the original Aussie single mum Facebook Page. This page is where you’ll find the latest Australian Centrelink, child support and family law news, plus it’s the hub page of a range of smaller Aussie single parent Facebook interest groups, including Centrelink, Child Support and House Sharing Facebook groups.

Follow the Australian Separated, Single & Divorced Mums Facebook Page here

4. The anonymous Single Mother Forum website

This Australian single mother forum website has been established for over ten years, and holds a massive amount of Australian single parent-specific information. From taking child support debt to court, to sole custody, to cooking for six – this forum is where you can find a record of thousands of anonymous Australian single mum questions and answers. Only Aussie single mums may actually join this support group, but the information is accessible to all.

Visit the Australian Single Mother Forum website here

5. Australian Mums receiving Child Support chat group

The only Australian group of its kind, this Facebook group is specifically targeted to Aussie mums who are receiving (or in many cases, owed) child support from their ex-partner. Compare and learn from each other for the best child support outcome for your children, and indeed your single mum family overall.

Join the Australian Mums Receiving Child Support Facebook chat group here

6. Australian single mum share house notices

If you’ve ever considered sharing a home with a fellow single mum family to save money, cut costs, companionship or even share child minding, then

Join the Aussie single mums seeking or offering share houses Facebook group here

10 more Australian single parent Facebook groups you’re going to love!

Created due to demand, the following four new Aussie single parent groups are bound to take off fast…

1. Aussie single mum meetups for friendship & companionship

A new group for mums that want to make single mum friends – even if your lonely when you don’t have the kids when they are at your ex’s! Join here

2. Aussie single mothers paying it forward

A new group for single mums to list items for free for other mums to benefit. Join here

3. Australian single mums who budget and save

Are you a super-savvy single mum and ready to share your tips and hacks, or are you needing some super-tight budget ideas? This is the group for you! Join here

4. Australian single mums who caravan and camp

A new single mum caravanning and camping group for those who are casual campers, doing the lap or travelling Australia full time! Join here

ALSO these State camping sub-groups:

NSW Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/846918812829676/

Queensland Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/745314736102827/

Victoria Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/169093878080892/

South Australia Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1532910156905554/

Western Australia Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/156288102969719/

Tasmania Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/433104288005804/

Northern Territory Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/948832205652353/

5. Barefoot Investor Australian single mums

A new group especially for mums to network and learn about Barefoot Investor strategies and tips. Join here

6. Australian single mums who have been widowed

A new group for widowed single mums who may appreciate support of a more specialised kind – the loss of a partner. Join here

7. Australian single mums & dads ready to love again

A new single parent romance group for those who are ready to dip their toe back in the love pool! Join here

8. Australian single parents who holiday and travel

A new single parent travel group for anyone who loves to go away on trips!i  From planning your next weekend getaway to a domestic or international single parent holiday. Join here

9. Australian women thinking about leaving their partner

A group for Aussie women to get tips on how to leave their partner. Join here

10. Australian single mums who date or are repartnered

A group for single mums dating again, or new partner issues and chat. Join here

Australian single parent Facebook Pages by city/region

Local single parent Facebook Pages can be a great resource. Here is a list of Australian capital cities and region pages.

Join the Sydney single parent group here

Join the Melbourne single parent group here

Join the Brisbane single parent group here

Join the Adelaide single parent group here

Join the Perth single parent group here

Join the Canberra single parent group here

Join the Darwin single parent group here

Join the Tasmania single parent group here

Join the Wollongong single parent group here

Join the Newcastle single parent group here

Join the Goulburn single parent group here

Join the Mid-North Coast single parent group here

Join the Gold Coast single parent group here

Join the Mackay single parent group here

Join the Sunshine Coast single parent group here

Join the Ipswich single parent group here

Join the Toowoomba single parent group here

Further Australian single parent resources

Singlemum.com.au

The huge Australian singlemum.com.au website is the original and still number one Australian single parent website, with its own finance, legal and lifestyle single mum experts addressing current issues and topics. The mother-ship for all things single parent in Australia, the singlemum.com.au network extends to encompass and reach hundreds of thousands of Australian single mums and dads. Visit singlemum.com.au here

Letsgomum.com.au

An Australian single parent travel blog. This Aussie single mum shows how to go it alone and still manage to travel the world – or even just holiday down the coast – successfully as a single parent. Travel with kids as a solo parent never looked so fun! Visit the Australian family travel website Letsgomum.com.au here

You should never feel alone or isolated because of your divorce, separation or single parent by choice journey.

There are thousands of other Australian single parents out there going through the same problems as you! Why not  join forces and share information, experiences, problems – and maybe a laugh or two – and join a single parent support group? You’ll never feel alone on this single parenting journey again!

Singlemum.com.au Staff Writers

If you enjoyed reading this article, please give us a Facebook “Like” or comment below, to keep them coming!

The post 6 Australian single parent support groups you need to join now appeared first on Singlemum.

Not only does the physical nature of the body improve and become healthier, but it also leads to a healthy state of mind, so that each day can be enjoyed in a relaxed and controlled manner. Confidence plays a huge part in overall life satisfaction, so having a set of great-looking teeth and feeling good when smiling is hugely beneficial. Those with crooked teeth or who have gaps which lead to issues are recommended to visit a dentist and speak to them about clear aligners, which can help resolve such problems.

It is surprising just how many individuals with crooked teeth or those with those that are overlapping put up with the condition, maybe through worries about the cost or pain to put it right. However, having the right treatment is simple, which is a world away from the old way, which was to wear unsightly and often painful braces. The treatment can be comfortable and take a shorter time than ever before, with the aligners hardly being noticeable as they do their job. Fortunately, those who are unsure can check out the Beseenhub website to receive expert advice in such matters.

The best aligners will be tailor-made for each patient by a professional dentist who will communicate clearly so that the process is understood, with all its benefits. Rather than teeth growing in directions that they shouldn’t, which can lead to further health issues, they will straighten gradually, so that anyone previously embarrassed can relax with a set of perfect-looking teeth. Overbites and underbites, which see teeth overlap or extend forward can all be straightened properly, with most dentists turning to a digital planning tool called ClearPilot to ensure that the right treatment is administered.

The aligners supplied by ClearCorrect are of the highest quality, utilising ClearQuartz technology to deliver the best results, which require fewer dental appointments while providing a safe and proven procedure so that a patient can enjoy their new oral appearance. Because of the modern advances in technology, the aligners are far more comfortable to wear than previous options. They can offer a clearer head for those looking to save money when comparing health energy insurance.

Keeping good oral hygiene becomes easier for those who wear clear aligners rather than braces as food is less likely to be caught or trapped in them. They are easy to remove and clean, while all types of food can be enjoyed which gives them a distinct advantage over their alternatives.

Clear aligners, when provided by a dentist which uses the best designs and suppliers can straighten teeth to improve appearance and increase confidence.

The post Great reasons to choose clear aligners for a happy confident smile appeared first on Singlemum.

• who is a home or distance educator of child/ren in their care.

The current rate stated is $880.20 as at August 2022.

Use this information in your call or visit to Centrelink- many Centrelink staff members are unaware it exists.

Share

The post The Homeschooling Single Parent Centrelink Benefits Guide appeared first on Singlemum.

We’ve been flooded with calls from stressed parents who who are looking at homeschooling for the first time out of necessity. So we decided to put pen to paper and give you our tips to creating a positive and successful homeschooling experience.

We’ve been in the business for many, many years but we’ve never seen anything like this. I’ve spoken to so many parents over the last few days who’ve been reduced to tears, feeling stressed and out of their depth.

One of the main things to remember is that you have choices

For some, the Department or School resources will work well, for others a more individualised or flexible approach where their child can work at their own pace will be needed.

Even before the onset of COVID0-19, 1 in 200 Australian children were registered for home-school. It’s an area that just keeps growing as parents face challenges like bullying, depression, learning disorders and gifted kids that are held back, just to name a few.

One of our parents Nicholas says “My eldest daughter doing year 9 LOVES the electives, she didn’t have that option when she went to school”

Here are our Top 9 tips for parents new to homeschooling

TIP 1 – Keep calm and establish a routine so your kids know what to expect

Our first goal is to reassure parents not to be worried about their capability to homeschool. They have been homeschooling their children since the kids were born. You’ve got this!

Getting on the front foot and establishing a routine is really important. Whether you are using online resources from your school, or homeschooling resources from a homeschool provider, it’s crucial to get into a routine fast and set expectations

TIP 2 – Plan out each day
Have a daily plan on the fridge and set a consistent start time. As wi​t​hout a start time screens can gobble up the hours

Spend time with the kids writing a weekly timetable and get them to add their own ideas.
Include fun activities as kids become irritable without hands-on activities. An example timetable could include 2 subjects a day: Monday: Maths, English, Art, Tuesday: Maths, English, Science and so on.

TIP 3 – Be flexible and if kids finish early celebrate – days do not have to be 9am-3pm if your kids are fast in their work

We cannot speak for the online programs that the schools will be rolling out, but with many homeschool programs such as ours we encourage students to go at their own pace, many of our parents tell us that their kids are really motivated and finish early, having completed all their work for the day.

TIP 4 – Don’t Panic about your child falling behind

Many of the parents I’ve been speaking to are worried that their kids will fall behind, with everyone in the same boat. Please be reassured that it will be alright. Schools are working hard to provide the lessons required. You also have the option of a dedicated homeschool provider. Studies have shown that homeschoolers average 70 points higher on NAPLAN than kids who attend schools.

Not only that, you can actually take advantage of the time. This is an amazing opportunity to give their kids extra revision to catch up, or extension to move ahead. They can spend time working on areas they are passionate about. Spending the afternoon completing an Art or Science project is so satisfying. They can actually return to school with confidence.

TIP 5 – Keep the kids motivated and inject the fun

Add fun activities into the day like cooking lessons to lunchtime. Meals can be part of the fun of the day.

Also celebrate their wins and completion of work for the day. Just a few celebrations can make the world of difference.

Allowing them flexibility in their ‘school’ day will also help, as long as their work is completed.

TIP 6 – Add in breaks for fun and socialising

It’s hard for kids to be suddenly cooped up and away from their friends so add in online or phone social breaks so they can contact their friends and feel connected.”

Also try hands on activities and experiments as a planned activity to keep things fun and positive.

TIP 7 – Don’t stress that you have to be their teacher – you are just a guide using the tools provided to you

Having a lesson focus and plan allows parents to simply become the co-learners, not the teacher.​

​If you use a recognised homeschooling program service, they should have teachers ready to help and guide you. If you are using your schools resources, the school will likely organise a teacher to be available online and you can also join your school community groups to get advice from others in this situation.

TIP 8 – Community Support

Help each other.
In times like these we need to help each other and to ask for help from those who have done it before and made all the mistakes already. There are many community Facebook groups that have a resource to parents who need support, resources and tips from teachers.

TIP 9 – Don’t put too much pressure on yourself

Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Kids are all individuals and they all have different ways of learning and sometimes one size does not fit all.

At the end of the day the most important thing is that your kids have covered the curriculum and have the evidence to show the department of education. This is the case for both schools and homeschool providers. Happy Learning!

About Euka Future Learning Australia

Euka Future Learning (previously Complete Education Australia) are one of the largest Homeschool Providers in Australia, our curriculum is approved by the Education Department in every state and a recognised pathway to Australian Universities.
With our homeschool programs, You don’t need any teaching skills as everything is provided and we have teachers ready if you need help.
We’re also now giving away a FREE WEEK of our homeschool curriculum for all grades on our website. They have tons of fun, creative and educational things to do and learn to keep the kids busy and off their screens.

Ellen Brown is the Director of Euka Future Learning 
Facebook Parent Support Group: ​Schooling from Home Australia – Curriculum & Parent Support Complete Education Website​ – with Free Week download: ​euka.edu.au Follow the Complete Education Facebook Page​ here: ​Facebook.com/pg/CompleteEducationAustralia

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Recognising that separated parents are in desperate need of guidance about how to manage custody arrangements as restrictions on daily life increase as a result of COVID-19, the Family Court and Federal Circuit Court have now released guidance about complying with parenting orders.

The Family Court advises as follows

1. Parents should continue to act in the best interests of their children, to ensure their wellbeing and safety.  This may mean different things, for different families.

2. The Court still expects parents to comply with Court orders, including ensuring children spend time with both parents as per those orders.

3. The Court recognises, however, that these unusual times will result in some situations where strict compliance with Orders is not possible – for example, changeovers may need to be moved, or, due to exposure to COVID-19, it may not be safe for a child to move from on house to another.  Additionally, border closures may, in some cases, cause issues with compliance with orders, particularly over the upcoming school holiday period.

4. The Court emphasises the need to communicate with the other parent (if it is safe to do so) to try to find sensible and reasonable solutions, where Orders cannot be strictly complied with.  Parents should try to be understanding of any vulnerabilities of members of the other parent’s household, when trying to reach agreement.

5. If new agreements are reached – document them! This can be by text, WhatsApp, WeChat, or email.  The Court has emphasised that this will be extremely useful, if a  judge has to later determine an issue arising from the change of arrangements.

6. The Family Relationships Advice Line remains open – parents are able to call on 1800 050 321 to discuss issues about parenting arrangements, and can also try to help parents reach an agreement through their telephone Family Dispute Resolution Service.

7. Parents are also reminded that family lawyers remain able to advise and assist – many family law mediators have now moved to online or phone mediations, and are generally able to do so in a relatively short timeframe.

8. If parents can’t reach agreement – or where there are real concerns about the safety of the children and/or a parent if there is a change in the arrangements – the Courts continue to be open to hear urgent matters electronically.  

9. Family violence, including threats of violence, are never acceptable.  If you or your child have been threatened, or are in immediate danger, you should contact the police.

10. The Court has emphasised that parents need to keep children safe if arrangements are in dispute – and should facilitate electronic communications between children and the parent they are not living with, until the dispute is resolved.

Based on this, COVID-19 in and of itself is still not a reason not to comply with Court Orders.  However, the Court has emphasised that if parents act reasonably, or have a reasonable excuse for not complying with Orders, then this can be taken into account if there are any later allegations that Orders have been breached.

Parents who are concerned about this should ensure they keep written records of discussions about changing arrangements, and should seek their own legal advice if they are unsure about their individual circumstances.

The Court remains open to deal with urgent parenting matters at this time, although parents should expect that most judges will be hearing cases by phone, or by videoconference.

The matters contained in this article are the opinion of the writer by way of general information and are not legal advice. You should seek legal advice in relation to your personal circumstances before acting on any of the matters raised in this article.

Monique Robb is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law. She is Special Counsel in the Family and Relationship Law team at Lander & Rogers, which has the largest family law practice in Australia.  Monique has worked solely in the area of Family Law since 2007, including working as an Associate in the Federal Circuit Court.  Monique acts in matters in all areas of family law, including parenting (custody) matters, property matters, child support, financial agreements, asset protection and matters where one, or both parties, reside overseas.  For more information, contact Monique by email or at +61 2 8020 7879

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Last night after the Federal Cabinet meeting finished at around 9pm, our Government announced more changes to increase restrictions on the public’s movements and further limit what “non-essential” businesses must now cease trading, as part of efforts to slow spread of the COVID19 virus.

The advice we are getting and why some activities are now prohibited (but not others), is confusing, and leaves room for disagreements about what it all means.

For example, schools are still open, and parents are being told it is safe to send their children. However, schools are asking parents to keep their children at home, if possible.

No-one has mentioned the situation with day-care for 0-5s, or talked about risks to them, but for anyone with children this age, anecdotally, many of the centres are now emptying out.

For the moment, these services remain open and it is up to parents to decide whether to send children, or not.

School holiday trips cancelled

Travel is also now a complicated issue, and with school holidays on the horizon, this issue is one that many separated parents are understandably concerned about.

With many states closing their borders, the clear take-home message from authorities is that we should not be travelling anywhere outside of our local area. This includes for holidays.

Commonwealth Health Information

With so much uncertainty, it is important to rely on accurate information.

The Commonwealth Government has a website with up-to-date information that you can look to here: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

Separated Parent Communication

These changes affect everyone, but present particular challenges for single parents who may have real difficulties communicating with their ex-spouses to talk through decisions about their children – such as changing arrangements for pick-ups/drop-offs that may need to be made in a hurry.

Many separated parents rely on email or text to communicate. This may be because there are ongoing issues with Family Violence (or allegations about this), or because their former partner/spouse is unreasonable, or because they have been advised by their lawyers to do so.

All of these reasons may create opportunities for significant misunderstandings and further conflict.

If there are family violence orders in place as well, this adds yet another layer of complexity.

In addition, the rapidly-changing situation with COVID19 means agreements about children made one day, may need to be changed the next.

How to deal with child access & changeovers during Coronavirus changes

1. Follow Court Orders

Contravention of Orders

2. Compromise with your co-parent

3. Try emailing with a follow-up text message 

4. Arrange telephone mediation 

5. Vary Court Orders using a Parenting Plan

6. Use a co-parenting App

Navigating Coronavirus & shared parenting

Although many separated parents may feel overwhelmed by the decisions that need to be made now and in the coming weeks, parents will need to find flexible solutions to deal with our changing circumstances.

Now, more than ever, cooperation where possible, and good communication about children’s health, safety and wellbeing is required.

If it is not possible to resolve communication issues, or the welfare of children is at risk and you need the advice of a lawyer, or to approach a Court for urgent Orders, changes and limitations on access to Court services in response to COVID19 are likely to create some delays.

Getting advice earlier, rather than waiting until you are in crisis in such circumstances may mean there is more time to find solutions, with the support and guidance of a lawyer.

The contents of this publication are the opinion of the writer, do not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied upon as legal advice. You should seek formal legal advice from a lawyer in relation to your personal circumstances before making decisions on the issues raised in this publication.

Celia Oosterhoff is a Partner at Pigott Stinson in the Sydney CBD. She is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law, a Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, trained Collaborative Lawyer, and is also on the Legal Aid Panel of Independent Children’s Lawyers,to represent the interests of vulnerable children in matters before the Family and Federal Circuit Courts. Celia’s experience includes over 12 years exclusive practice as a Family Lawyer in boutique and broader service small and medium-sized city and suburban practices, international commercial experience, and two years as Research Associate to a Judge of the Appeal Division of the Family Court. For more information, contact Celia by email or phone at +61 2 8251 7777.

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It’s a stressful, difficult time for all parents at the moment

For separated parents, COVID-19 poses an extra dilemma – how to successfully co-parent under these new (and frequently changing) circumstances?

Are my Court Orders still in force?

Orders are still in force, even under these circumstances.  You should still meet your obligations, unless you have a reasonable excuse.  We anticipate that the Court will show some leniency, where parents have taken steps to try and overcome COVID-19 challenges with orders – however, the Courts are not going to accept COVID-19 alone as an excuse not to abide by orders.

If travel restrictions, quarantines or school closures mean your orders are no longer workable, you should try to reach a sensible alternative solution.  For example, if changeover usually occurs at a child’s activity which is now cancelled, a change of changeover location may be appropriate and enable children to continue to spend time with both parents, in accordance with the usual arrangements.

While changes are happening at a rapid rate, discussing possible alternatives with your child’s other parent, before changes happen, is best – but when this isn’t possible, give as much advance warning as possible, with a brief explanation of your proposal to vary the arrangements.

Share parenting during self isolation & travel restrictions

If, due to requirements to self-isolate, or due to travel restrictions or other Government-imposed bans, it is simply not possible to comply with your orders, then you should, where possible, facilitate your child using technology to maintain contact with their other parent – Facetime, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, or an old-fashioned phone call – are all better than no contact at all.  

If appropriate, you might also want to consider offering additional time at a point in the future, in lieu of time missed due to COVID-19 issues.  

It’s not easy, but parents should give (and expect) some flexibility from their co-parent while we all try to get through the coming weeks.  

What if one of us has to self-isolate?

Now is the time to make a plan for if you, or your child’s other parent, needs to self-isolate.  

Consider whether you need to put in place some back-up plans for child care/work, in the event that your children come into your care whilst their other parent is required to self-isolate, or vice versa.  If possible, reach agreement with their other parent now, so the plan can go into action smoothly, if required.

Also consider your plans in the event that you and your children are required to self-isolate together.  Communicate your plan to your child’s other parent and make sure you know their plan.

What if my children show symptoms?

If your child shows symptoms, you should of course obtain medical advice and follow it – but you should also communicate with the child’s other parent about what is happening.  If possible, you might consider calling your child’s other parent whilst you are in medical appointments, so they can hear the advice firsthand.  

If your child is required to self-isolate, as we’ve recommended above, try to keep contact with the parent who is not in isolation by electronic means.

We had holiday plans – can I still go?

Parents should follow closely official government travel guidelines – so overseas travel is off the cards for at least the April, and possibly the July, school holidays.  

Domestic travel needs to be considered very carefully – will travel result in your children being more likely to be exposed to COVID-19?  Are there adequate medical facilities where you are travelling to?  Are you prepared to remain in your holiday location for an extended period of time?  While generally holidays are a great thing for children (and we could all use a holiday, about now), given the uncertainty about future travel bans, you may wish to re-consider your travel plans.

Final Message

Communication with your child’s other parent will be crucial over the coming weeks, to navigate COVID-19 challenges.  But above all, you and your co-parent need to exercise caution and common-sense, to keep your children, and yourselves healthy and well.

The matters contained in this article are the opinion of the writer by way of general information and are not legal advice. You should seek legal advice in relation to your personal circumstances before acting on any of the matters raised in this article.

Monique Robb is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law. She is Special Counsel in the Family and Relationship Law team at Lander & Rogers, which has the largest family law practice in Australia.  Monique has worked solely in the area of Family Law since 2007, including working as an Associate in the Federal Circuit Court.  Monique acts in matters in all areas of family law, including parenting (custody) matters, property matters, child support, financial agreements, asset protection and matters where one, or both parties, reside overseas.  For more information, contact Monique by email or at +61 2 8020 7879

Join the Australian Single Mum Support Facebook Group here.

The post Co-Parenting and Covid-19 – what you need to know appeared first on Singlemum.

Single Mum Lifestyle Articles

What is the best age for a child to start swimming lessons?

Tanya Boys | Accredited swimming coach | 14 April 2016

One of the most common questions I am asked by parents is “When should my child start swimming lessons?”

This is a great question as learning to swim is such an important skill for all children in Australia given our aquatic environment, and swimming lessons for children are integral part of any child becoming a competent swimmer.

Your child is classified as a ‘competent swimmer’ when they can comfortably swim 400m.

While not applicable for all children, my preferred starting point (and the one I used for my own 3 children) is to begin lessons from around 6 months of age. It is important to note as well that prior to this time I recommend that from the early weeks of life parents develop and foster a love and enjoyment of water and the aquatic environment through the regular bathing process and making bath time a fun and happy experience for the child.

Make bath time a fun and happy experience

Simple steps, including pre-conditioning – pouring water over a child’s face at bath time and using verbal triggers – teach children early breath control and prepare them for submersions when they do commence formal lessons.

It may seem like a little thing, but in my experience it can make a big difference when kids finally enter the pool for the first time.

Whilst many parents choose not to begin their child’s swimming lessons until a later age, children who commence swimming when they are under 10 months of age are rarely unhappy in the water and they do not develop the fear or anxiety about swimming that some older children struggle with.

In addition, a four-year project, Early-Years Swimming: Adding Capital to Young Australians, led by Griffith University has concluded that children who swim show more advanced physical and cognitive skills than those who don’t. They show better visual-motor abilities, such as drawing lines and colouring in shapes. They also excel in following instructions, language, counting and solving mathematical problems. Indirectly, it could help them become better performers once they’re at school.

There are a lot of good reasons why it is a great idea to start this early. However, starting this young is not for everybody or may not be practical, so I will also detail some of the pro’s and con’s of starting later as well.

Swimming Lessons Best Age Guide

Commencing lessons at 3-10 months

Pros:

• Children have come from an aquatic environment in their mother’s womb and they are happy and relaxed in the water
• Children learn aquatic independence and the foundation skills for later independent swimming
• Early water safety and awareness skills are developed
• Swimming lessons are a great bonding activity for parents and babies
• Better physical and cognitive skill development than their non-swimming counterpart
• Unlikely to develop a fear of water if they continue regular swimming
• Usually first formal activity or class for baby (and parent), excellent for socialising and play

Cons

• If children have any serious illnesses parents may not want to take them into a public aquatic facility
• Progress in lessons will not be as fast as for older children

Commencing lessons from 10-24 months


Between 10-24 months toddlers can build their water awareness skills

Pros:

• If kids have spent time in the water with their parents/ family they will usually transition into the water without any fear
• Between 10-24 months toddlers like to develop independence (in activities and making decisions) and we can build their water awareness/ aquatic education and mobility skills.
• Children develop good mobility, in and out of the water at this age and this mobility can be translated from the land to the water
• Water safety and awareness is critically important for this curious age
• Swimming lessons are a fun activity and great form of exercise
• Development of foundation skills to learn to swim independently
• Other pros as listed above

Cons

• As children develop independence and imagination some children will develop a fear of swimming or going under water
• Some children in 10-24 age group will not want to follow instructions in a formal lesson setting (although most good swim schools will have a fun, play based programme to counteract this).

Commencing lessons from 24-36 months


At 24-36 months, children are stronger they can develop a greater level of aquatic independence

Pros

• At 24-36 months, children are stronger they can develop a greater level of aquatic independence and a strong swimmer will learn to swim unaided at this age (of course only under adult supervision – no more than arms’ reach away)
• Many children learn to follow instructions from their teacher in this period

Cons

• If children have an irrational fear of the water lessons can be unproductive or counterproductive
• Some children will not want to co-operate or follow instructions which can be critical to safety in classes

Commencing lessons from 36-48 months


Between 36-48 months many children will learn to swim unaided

Pros

• Between 36-48 months, children are stronger and can develop a greater level of aquatic independence. Many children will learn to swim unaided at this age (of course only under adult supervision – no more than arms’ reach away)
• Many children learn to follow instructions from their teacher in this period

Cons

• If children haven’t spent time in the water at an earlier age it can take some time to learn to be comfortable in the water. This comfort is essential to developing swimming skills.

Commencing lessons from 4 years +


Older children are able to acquire skills more quickly as they are more coordinated

Pros

• Children are able to acquire skills more quickly as they are more coordinated and physically capable

Cons

• Waiting until 4 year of age will potentially give rise to the possibility of exposing your child to aquatic danger which they are not equipped to deal with, in the absence of prior swimming lessons (ie if they haven’t had swimming lessons, they may find themselves exposed to aquatic dangers before 4 years of age).
• Children are less comfortable in the water and their movements are less natural than children who have spent time in the pool at a younger age
• Children who don’t learn to swim until 4 years + are likely to be behind their peers in swimming skills in Australia. This can also limit their opportunities for aquatic play/ fun with their friends.

For children under the age of 5, it makes a huge difference if they swim regularly – children who swim with their parents between lessons make substantially faster progress than those who swim only during their lesson each week. And for under 5s it doesn’t need to be formal practise – simply playing in the water will increase their confidence and comfort levels in the water.

Swimming lessons are hugely important for all Australian kids, and whilst swimming is a great recreational activity and sport, water safety and drowning prevention are clearly a hugely important motivating factor for parents in enrolling their children in swimming lessons. A 2009 in by the USA’s National Institute of Health concluded that “participating in formal swimming lessons was associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning in children aged 1-4 years.”

Swimming lessons alone certainly don’t eliminate the risk of drowning, but a better understanding by children and parents of the aquatic environment and their own capabilities is a first and most important step in the process of aquatic education.

Tanya Boys is a Bronze Level swimming coach and presents regularly at National Austswim conferences. She has a degree in Human Movement Studies from UTS, and Austswim and Swim Australia Teacher qualifications for Babies, Toddlers and school aged children.
Tanya is the Director and Owner of Tanya’s Travelling Tadpole Tuition, Australia’s largest mobile swim school, teaching swimming to over 800 children in their home pools in Sydney each summer.
Tanya is a mother to three beautiful children – two girls aged 10 and 8 and a 6 year old boy.

What age did you start your child’s swimming lessons? Did this work well for your child? Comment below!

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