How to Introduce Children to Swings

One childhood staple that has continued throughout generations is the swing. Whether in your backyard, at school, or the local park, swings have been popular for ages, with minimal changes. And as each new generation of children are born, more need to be introduced to the swing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. The first swing they should go on is a toddler swing. These swings will keep the children more secure and not rely on them to hold on as much. This way they can experience and get used to the motion of the swing without having to worry about pumping their legs or hanging on tight.
2. Instead of pushing them from behind, push the child in the swing from the front so that they can consistently see you and are comfortable knowing that you are around.
3. If there is a normal swing near the toddler swing, then hop on that and swing next to them. This way, you can show them a basic idea of what that swing is like and begin to introduce the concept of pumping their legs.
4. When they are of an appropriate age (no longer a toddler) remove them from the toddler swing and bring them to your swing and sit them on your lap. Have them hang on to the sides as you wrap your arm around their stomach. Begin swinging slow and gentle and gradually increase the speed if they are comfortable with it.
5. Once they are comfortable swinging on your lap, get up and have them sit on the swing on their own. Slowly begin pushing them and do not try to get them to pump their legs right away. Just push them to give them the momentum.
6. As they begin to go faster and smoother, try to get them to pump their legs by doing a song-type pattern thing. “In and Out, In and Out. That’s what swinging is all about, In and Out."
7. Give them the cues when to pump and gradually lay off the cues so they can begin doing it on their own.
8. Once they are comfortable and able pump their legs, swing alongside them and introduce different swinging games like who can swing higher or try to line up even with them.
9. After a while, you can even implement things like jumping off the swing, swinging on your stomach and other fun ideas.