INPUT ARTICLE: Article: One of the most difficult things about being a single parent is recognizing when you need help. If a family member has offered to babysit whenever you need time to yourself, or a friend has asked to set up a playdate, don’t be afraid to take them up on it. Remind yourself that it’s okay to lean on other people when things are hard. Remember not to take advantage of other people’s kindness. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help, but don’t expect them to always be available. Once your child is old enough to walk, talk, and follow directions, they can help with simple chores. Assign them tasks like walking the dog, cleaning up toys, emptying the dishwasher, or folding laundry. Be clear with your child that every member of your family has to help out because that’s what families do.  For younger children, you may want to create a chore chart so that you can keep track of what they’re doing. Remind your kid that if they don’t do their chores and help out, there will be consequences. As a single parent, you may not be able to be with your child all the time. Decide whether you’d like to send your child to daycare or hire a babysitter for times when you can’t be at home. Consider the cost of these options, and ask family members to step in whenever possible to save money.  Daycare has the added bonus of allowing your children to socialize and having a set structure. However, it can be extremely expensive depending on your location and the amount of time your child will be there. If you’re planning to go with babysitting, it can be helpful to have 1 babysitter and 1-2 backup sitters in case your usual sitter is busy or sick. If your child’s other parent isn’t involved in their life, they might feel lost without the extra guidance. Be on the lookout for trustworthy individuals who can be an example of a good person for them. Point out some of the good qualities that they exhibit, and talk with your kid about what makes someone a good person.  For example, if you’re recently divorced, you might ask a brother, sister, or one of your parents for help. When they’re around, talk to your kid about what makes them an awesome man or woman. If you don’t have a lot of family, you can use TV shows and books to talk with your kid about what it means to be a good person and a good parent. For example, if your kid likes Harry Potter, you can talk to them about how Dumbledore was a father figure to Harry.

SUMMARY: Request and accept help when you need it. Ask your child to help with household chores if they’re old enough. Pick a childcare method that works best for you and your child. Find positive role models for your child.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If he is comfortable in the water and is able to swim at or beyond the level described for 2 – 4-year-olds, then you can move on to more advanced swimming techniques. This is a fun and simple swimming style that is often used by young children learning to swim. The ideal water level for the Dog Paddle is about chest high. Making downward scooping motions with his fingers together, he should “dig” through the water while kicking his feet, much like a dog or a horse might swim. Have fun while learning the Dog Paddle by searching for videos of dogs swimming online. Chances are he will try to fully extend his legs, but short, fast kicks offer more power. To improve form, have him point his toes while kicking. He might need support while learning to coordinate his arms and legs, but as he gains confidence you should supervise independent swimming. To properly swim with both hands, your child will not be able to plug his nose while swimming. Start with a game to see who can make the most bubbles using only air blown out the nose! In the beginning, your child might blow out all his air in one burst out of fear the water will rush up his nose. Stay close in case he accidentally takes on some water and needs your support. In the event he has the unpleasant experience of getting water up his nose, respond appropriately. Give him warm encouragement by saying things like, “That happens sometimes. It’s OK!” At this point, your child might not be the most coordinated underwater, but allow him to get a feel for moving around underwater without plugging his nose. This will make it easier for him to transition to swimming a proper stroke. You should approach this exercise with patience, as this is a complicated technique that may take some time. He should be about waist or chest deep in the water. Be aware that your child might have eyes that are sensitive to chlorine. Practice in the shallow end and allow him to feel how his arms and legs sync up without submerging his head. Regularly, have him turn his head to practice the motion of turning out of the water to breathe. He should alternate the side he turns every third stroke. Do this by counting his strokes and having him turn his head and take a deep breath with the third stroke. Alternating sides will keep his form symmetrical. Have him dip his face in the water and practice swimming two strokes, turning his head for a breath on every third stroke. With each breath, he should alternate sides. Once he is comfortable, he can graduate to swimming with a life vest and, after mastering that, he can begin supervised swimming on his own. When he is experienced enough, you can try this without a life vest. If not, it is fine to start with a life vest on. When he stops moving from the push, he should start kicking and stroking with his arms until he reaches the other side. Make sure you follow closely, especially if he isn't wearing a life vest. This will help if your child falls in onto his back. Tell him to drop one of his shoulders towards the bottom of the pool. He should roll the rest of his body to follow the motion of that shoulder. When he rotates onto his stomach, have him swim to the side of the pool. . Treading water is an important skill in case your child needs to stay afloat in the water for a long period of time. It will keep him upright in the water and able to interact with toys and friends while floating. Do this by having him jump off the ladder towards the center of the pool. Once in the water, he should immediately turn around and swim back to the ladder. This basic technique could save your child's life. This will teach him that it is only acceptable to jump to the middle, where it's safest, and not to the sides, where he could get hurt. Now that your child is more experienced, he can start learning some real swim strokes. The following are some of the most common swimming strokes your child can learn.  Freestyle: Do Three Basic Strokes while Swimming  Breaststroke: Swim Breaststroke Efficiently  Backstroke: Do Three Basic Strokes while Swimming  Sidestroke: Swim the Sidestroke

SUMMARY:
Confirm that your child is proficient with all basic skills. Teach your child the Dog Paddle. Tell your child to enter the water belly first and cup his hands. Tell him to kick his feet a little below the surface of the water. Have your child keep his head above water with his chin on the surface while paddling and kicking. Teach him to blow air out through his nose underwater. Encourage him to practice regulating his underwater nose-exhale. Practice moving around underwater with the nose-exhale technique. Teach your child to breathe bilaterally between strokes while swimming freestyle. Have your child sit on the steps or stand in the shallows. Combine the arms-only swimming stroke described for younger children with short, fast kicks below the surface of the water. Cue breathing and help your child to find a swimming rhythm. Hold him in the water with his stomach down, feet off the bottom of the pool, and your arms supporting him. Supervise him trying this motion independently. Let your child swim to the other side of the pool. Have him stand or float at one end of the pool and push off the side with his legs. Teach your child to roll over from his back. Have your child start by floating on his back. Teach your child to tread water Teach him to get back to the ladder if he falls in. Make sure your child always jumps towards the center of the pool. Teach your child more advanced strokes.