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Any parent who’s tried to get their kids to eat all their broccoli can attest that it’s a challenge to encourage your kids to make healthy choices. At a young age, physical, mental, intellectual, and social health is important to develop. So how do you accomplish that? Look no further than a swimming pool.

1. Exercise – With childhood obesity rates on the rise, swimming is a fun way for kids to stay fit. Even for kids who are a healthy weight, swimming can improve cardiovascular fitness and can build endurance, creating better heart health and energy.  It’s also one of the best forms of exercise because it also improves flexibility and is a full body work out.

2. Outdoor Recreation – Tired of telling your kids to put down the video games and get some fresh air? A swimming pool is a great way to get kids outside and enjoying the outdoors. Outdoor activity has been proven to not only provide physical wellness, but also reduces stress and anxiety and provides an increase in positive moods, according to Cornell University environmental psychologist, Nancy Wells. Research even shows outdoor recreation provides increased creativity and better self esteem, even reducing inattentiveness.

3. Quality Family Time –Studies show that families who spend time together have children who are happier and healthier since it improves emotional health. However, trying to figure out activities the whole family can enjoy can be difficult. For quality family time, a swimming pool is a great solution. Family dinners get a lot more interesting when it’s a poolside BBQ. Plus, there are lots of games families can play together in the pool that appeal to any age or gender. Having a pool is also a great way to entertain extended family or friends that visit.

4. Safety – Swimming is a valuable life skill. Children who have pools at their homes swim more consistently so they have stronger swimming skills, making them safer in the water. So whether you’re at the beach, on a boat, or relaxing around the pool, your child will be better equipped to stay safe, and drowning incidents will be less likely.

5. Sport – Did you know owning a pool can even help your child improve at other sports? Swimming takes a lot of coordination: it involves the coordination of all four limbs while also having to coordinate breathing. In addition, swimming and games in the pool teach positive competition and motivation, which can be transferred to other sports from football to gymnastics to baseball.

6. Social Skills – Owning a pool is like having a big play ground in your backyard.It’s a fun way for kids to play, connect, and learn to communicate. Good social skills are vital and help develop positive relationships and communication techniques.  Children’s interactions in a swimming pool can teach them skills like sharing, communicating, and engaging one another, helping to build their confidence in any social setting.

7. Relaxation – School can be tough and schedules can be hectic. A recent study by the Cambridge-based Primary Review shows that many school children suffer from anxiety and are just as overwhelmed as their parents. An enjoyable afternoon around the pool can help your child unwind from a busy day or a difficult exam.

Make a move towards a healthier lifestyle for your kids by contacting Leisure Pools today on 1300 SPLASH and get Swimming in Quality and Style.