A Parent Asks You Whether Giving Her Child Swim Lessons

Multiple Choice

A parent asks you whether giving her child swim lessons starting at age 4 months is better than starting at age 16 months. Your response is:

A) Yes, earlier motor training leads to better proficiency and the child will become a much better swimmer.
B) No, the child is not developmentally ready and will not benefit from the experiences.
C) Earlier lessons help your child to feel comfortable in the water, but they do not allow your child to learn the types of skills that make a competent swimmer.
D) Earlier lessons will make your child more likely to fear the water, but may allow your child to learn critical skills of a competent swimmer (such as turning 180 degrees)