Boy and girl wearing goggles underwater
I recently received a comment from Ruthie Ruth and thought that I would address it today. Thank you for the comment and an idea to write about!

I would love a post from a mama of many about how to enjoy water. I've almost totally stopped taking my kids swimming because I have such trouble keeping them safe and an eye on all of them.

First of all, let me say that I do not particularly enjoy taking them all to the water. They love it though! My hubby often takes them and helps out when he is available to do so. Then there are some days when it is just too hot not to be in the water. Here are some things that help me to keep my sanity.

1. Have your children learn to swim. Not all of mine do but I worry so much less about the ones who can.
2. Have the older children take turns helping with the younger ones. It never hurts for them to take some time and play with a younger sibling.
3. If your children are little, stick to the shallow water!
4. Give them limits on how far they can wander. Show them ahead of time. The water depth levels painted on the side of the pool make good markers.
5. Use floaties! To me, floaties are like an extra set of hands. And if they do go under the water the floaties will help until you can reach them.
6. The pool noodles are great too. Have the little ones hang on and pull them around the shallow end.
   
7. Sunscreen galore! Lather them before you even get near the water, that way you do not have to worry about one wandering while you cover another in sunscreen. We often do this before we leave the house or outside of the fence that surrounds the pool.
   
8. For the littlest ones I like the floating devices that have a seat and a suncover.
9. Pray for safety, protection, your nerves, and obedient children.
10. Stick to your guns. Tell them the rules, limits, and consequences ahead of time. If the children are not obedient, then leave and make them aware of the fact that they disobeyed a rule already set forth. They will be more likely to be obedient the next time around.
    
11. Try to focus on the joy that your children express rather than allowing anxiety to grow.
12. Go to the pool with a friend. You can help each other keep an eye on the children. Your children may also be less likely to wander if they have someone to play with.
13. Talk to the lifeguards. Tell them you have brought several children (especially if you are by yourself, point that out to them) and would greatly appreciate it if they would help you out in paying extra attention.
    
14. If the big pool is too much, the kiddie pools they sell at Walmart and the sprinklers are enough to cool them off and still have fun in the water.

Does anyone else have any suggestions???? Leave a comment and share your thoughts with us!

Labels: children, Family, Preschoolers, Quiverfull