https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 14 Jun 2026 04:12:27 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2823260 Thu, 17 May 2018 14:56:04 +0000 rpparker 2823260@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I let both sets of grandparents take my DD swimming. It does help to express my rules/fears/anxieties. I can feel my mom wanting to roll her eyes but she knows it helps for me to say even the most basic things. Then I know we are all on the same page and I can relax some. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2823217 Thu, 17 May 2018 13:47:56 +0000 alphagam84 2823217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In your situation, I'd probably let them take my child swimming provided they aren't watching any other children. I'd let my own parents watch our daughter while swimming as I'm comfortable with their skill level (we had a pool growing up so I know they're comfortable in the water and know good safety skills). I wouldn't let my IL's ever take her swimming as I don't have confidence in them watching her and keeping her safe. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2823121 Thu, 17 May 2018 09:42:30 +0000 snowjewelz 2823121@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's great that you're concerned! Personally I was always in the community pool with DD1. Last summer she was 2.5 and I think one time I left first with DD2, but there were like 3 other adults with her plus lifeguard, and the pool was not busy so I felt comfortable.</p> <p>In your case, I'd feel comfortable. I'd just have a talk with them and make sure their eyes are on him, if he gets out to go to the bathroom, etc that they make sure puddle jumper stays on, ideally at least one of them is physically in the pool with him with the other person watching, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2823119 Thu, 17 May 2018 09:33:55 +0000 Sams Mom 2823119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would be ok with grandparents watching my son in the pool. My mom is an amazing swimmer, my dad not so much but their pool isn't too deep for him to stand in anywhere so its perfectly fine. My mom has a puddle jumper for him to stay at their house so I don't have to remember to bring his back and forth. It would make me feel even better knowing they have first responder experience to boot. </p> <p>I totally get the anxiety though, I don't know how to swim well enough to do much good. I love fishing, we owned a boat up until last week. The main reason we sold it is because we weren't fishing anymore because I was too scared to take our son out with us. </p> <p>So I totally get that aspect, but these are grandma and grandpa both keeping an eye on your LO, in a pool, in a controlled environment (not a lake or river), and they have first responder training. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2823060 Thu, 17 May 2018 07:37:24 +0000 BadgerMom 2823060@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In this situation I would definitely let them take my son swimming. Heck, it’s probably safer than me taking him, they’ve got more credentials than I do! Between the puddle jumper, the 2:1 ratio with suedo-safety professionals, and the shallow pool where they can easily get to him if he’s in trouble, I don’t think there is a lot to worry about. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2823043 Thu, 17 May 2018 06:15:51 +0000 tlynne 2823043@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes for mine, both for in laws and my mother, no question. Unless grandparents weren't healthy enough to care for my kids, they can do whatever reasonably safe activity they want...swimming, fishing, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2823015 Wed, 16 May 2018 22:52:46 +0000 DesertDreams88 2823015@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wish! It was installed by the previous owners, and required by safety codes. Maybe I'd tou showed the pictures and description to someone at home depot or lowes, they could help? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2823004 Wed, 16 May 2018 21:48:23 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2823004@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: do you have a link for this? We are moving to a cabin that will have a sliding patio door on our 2 year olds room. No pool, but we don't really want her out with the bears at night! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2822999 Wed, 16 May 2018 21:32:06 +0000 DesertDreams88 2822999@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lady baltimore: If your parents have a sliding patio door, we have this cool feature where basically it has a secure, non-intuitive childlock 5 feet up from the floor. It also requires heavy push to slide the door open and it automatically shuts itself - the door can't be left open unless someone props something in the doorway. It's like a pneumatic device. I'm not sure how it works really but Home Depot people might. </p> [attach=5393/18/p8uppj.450x600.2018-05-16-19.27.44.jpg] [attach=5393/18/p8uppk.450x600.2018-05-16-19.29.38.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2822997 Wed, 16 May 2018 21:29:34 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2822997@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think what would make my decision is the fitness level of my parents and in laws. This thread prompted DW and I to discuss it and both of us said no for both sets of grandparents. FWIW I have anxiety particularly around health and safety as well, DW does not. Our son is 3.5. I feel my in laws are healthier/stronger than my parents but I still don’t think we would be comfortable. Like I think my mom would struggle to grab and pick up/swim/carry DS in an emergency situation. None of the grandparents have recent first aid as far as I know. In your situation, sounds like your in laws are fit people who know first aid so that would make me feel much more confident. I would have a conversation to reiterate the safety aspect as I do think no one is as careful with your kids as you are. Just making them aware to be extra attentive would give me peace of mind. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2822964 Wed, 16 May 2018 20:21:58 +0000 lady baltimore 2822964@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My parents have a pool in their backyard and take my LO (2.5) swimming all the time (no flotation apparel). They are both competitive swimmers (though not with the safety training that your in-laws have), and I don't have any concerns about her safety with either one of them in the pool.</p> <p>This is the first summer that I have some concern about the security of LO in their house, with access to the pool when they are not specifically preparing to swim. If she can't open the door out to the pool yet, she will be able to very soon, and she pretty much has free run of their house. I know my dad has significant worry about this, but we are still ironing out what the plan is (we should get it figured out soon, as the pool opened a few weeks ago!). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2822960 Wed, 16 May 2018 20:13:08 +0000 Mrs. Tiger 2822960@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DesertDreams88: sounds like you have a good plan! 2:1 ratio of attentive, former EMTs is pretty much ideal haha :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2822957 Wed, 16 May 2018 20:12:04 +0000 bhbee 2822957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sounds like you’re thinking it through. I totally get the anxiety. In your situation it sounds ok to me but I think limits make sense. I would let my mom do it but only if it was 1-1 or a kiddie pool where kids could easily stand (our most likely situation would involve multiple grandkids in a backyard pool in which case no). My in laws, no way but they don’t watch my kids at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2822954 Wed, 16 May 2018 20:01:31 +0000 Canoli 2822954@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That’s a big no for me. But take it with a grain of salt because my husband and I are incredibly over protective. There is nobody other than my husband and I that I would be comfortable with our kids in the water with but I could be projecting my own situation here since I have in laws that would not pay as close attention as I would so i’m In a completely different situation. I take water safety very seriously. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2822952 Wed, 16 May 2018 19:50:58 +0000 DesertDreams88 2822952@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: Yes, that would be something I'd re-assert with them once they start babysitting LO2 and/or when FIL is traveling - no pool in that case. Currently, it's 2 adults, 1 kid. Any other ratio, my anxiety would be too high. </p> <p>@MrsBucky: very good ideas. Thankfully the kiddie pool had very strict rules: no toys, tossing, or splashing. Every 3 months or so (with major transitions related to the school year or change in care) we update our childcare agreement which has clear guidelines in place for things like this. If I don't broach the topic with them right now, I most certainly will have DH do it next week or we will do it together in June / July.</p> <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: haha almost everything in the world makes me uncomfortable. :silly: Thank God I try to go with my brain and not my feelings anymore. I'm glad to hear other people would trust grandparents. </p> <p>@Mrs. Tiger: He's somewhat behind in communication skills so he wouldn't understand a conversation about the puddle jumper right now, but definitely in the future. There wouldn't be any situation in which he'd go to the bathroom himself or be able to take off his own puddle jumper, so that's good. The only scenario I can imagine is him running into the pool right before or right after getting it on. I'll have to talk to them about putting in on well before they get close to the pool. Also, they are 64 and 60, and in pretty good health. They also swim multiple times a week throughout the year. </p> <p>@Mama Bird: and everyone else: thanks for your input! I'm trying to stay rational and I *think* my anxiety is unfounded at this age / stage. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2822941 Wed, 16 May 2018 19:23:22 +0000 Mama Bird 2822941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With their background, I wouldn't worry so much, unless you're seeing signs that their mobity or judgement are getting impaired by age. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2822940 Wed, 16 May 2018 19:17:56 +0000 Mrs. Tiger 2822940@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Former lifeguard here, I just want to caution you about the puddle jumpers. Sometimes kids don't realize its helping them and will take it off to go to the bathroom, etc and then jump back in without it, surprised they don't float. I would recommend talking to him about what it is and why he needs it if you haven't already. </p> <p>I personally would be fine if there was a lifeguard present and/or if they stay only in the kiddie pool. I wouldnt let anyone besides me/DH supervise swimming because I have two very active boys, my parents are older (70s) and my ILs dont swim. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2822937 Wed, 16 May 2018 19:13:59 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2822937@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband, who is not a good swimmer, is very uneasy about anyone being in the pool with LO besides me. However, my dad taught me to swim and I am fine with LO being in a pool with him. Your ILs have way better credentials that my dad BTW. The one time they had an opportunity to go swimming the hotel had to close the pool because of high winds. I’m not a fan of the kiddie float devices, so if ever it happens it will be my dad and Baby and that’s it. If it makes you uncomfortable just put a stop to it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2822928 Wed, 16 May 2018 18:45:50 +0000 MrsBucky 2822928@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I totally, 100% get your anxiety. I have it to. Especially around anything with my son, who had an accident (in my and my husband’s care!, unrelated to water) that landed us an ambulance ride to a children’s hospital last year. Ultimately you need to be comfortable with it, but I’d brainstorm IF there is anything you could do to make yourself more comfortable. For me, one idea would be to sit them down and say “I know that my anxiety around you guys taking him swimming is largely unreasonable, but it would make me feel better to make sure we are on the same page around how to care for him while swimming or anywhere near a pool. I know you probably know all of it but it would really help calm my fears. Do you think we could do that?” And then outline all the precautions/ supervision you expect of yourself and your DH and this them too. Just one idea, maybe Making sure you guys handle things and perceive the risks the same would make you feel more comfortable? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2822925 Wed, 16 May 2018 18:41:48 +0000 Foodnerd81 2822925@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am uneasy about swimming in general, but in your case i would be ok with it. They would be paying attention only to him, no other kids to supervise, and it doesn’t sound like t would be crowded with other families or anything like that. It sounds like they are well versed in safety. There actually aren’t many situations where I would let someone else take my kids swimming- including my own parents- but in your case it sounds safe. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/letting-grandparents-supervise-swimming-yay-or-nay#post-2822924 Wed, 16 May 2018 18:37:13 +0000 DesertDreams88 2822924@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a history of PPA, mainly in the areas of health and safety. We live in AZ, so it's very common to have houses with pools. We ourselves have a pool in the backyard, and our backdoor is VERY childproofed (most adults can't open it). We swim almost every day May-Sept with LO and have since he was 6 months old - he is 2y4m now. It is too hot to play outside other than pool play.</p> <p>He got really, really good at swimming with a puddle jumper last year, and I don't really worry about him swimming while wearing it. Historically I have never allowed him to be swimming with anyone but DH &amp; I. MIL &amp; FIL babysit him at our house daily and I've made it clear multiple times that they are not to go swimming with him - there are *so* many other things they can do. They are both very attentive to him but I am just afraid of a freak accident. They used to be EMTs 25-30 years ago and FIL was a police officer for 30 years. </p> <p>Anyway... they live in a resort retirement complex with 3 pools, one of which is a "children's" pool, 2-3 feet, not sure about lifeguards. They have been babysitting at their place more often because I'm home with baby. DH made the mistake of telling them a month ago that they could take him swimming, and unbeknownst to me, they've now gone with him 3 times this past month - they bought him gear, including a puddle jumper, to keep at their house.</p> <p>Anyway.... I feel uneasy about this but I don't know if it's logic or anxiety talking. How would you feel in this situation?</p> <p>ETA: They babysit at their house about 1x a week currently, and starting in the fall it will be about 1x a month, but the pool is heated and open year-round. </p>