Most people think swim lessons are about kicking, breathing, floating, or learning strokes. But the truth is this: Before a child learns a skill, they learn how to feel. Before they master a movement, they master their emotions. Before they trust the water, they trust the person in the water with them. That’s emotional intelligence — and it’s at the heart of everything I teach. What is Emotional Intelligence in the Water? It’s the ability to recognize: - When a child’s nervous system is overwhelmed - When fear is creeping in - When connection matters more than correction - When to slow down, pause, breathe, and re-regulate - When a child is giving cues we need to respect, not push through 😩 Children communicate long before they speak. Their bodies tell you exactly what they need — if you know how to listen. This is where most traditional lesson models fall apart. They teach skills faster than they teach trust. They push performance before emotional readiness. And they mistake compliance for confidence. That’s why Joyful Waters was born.

Just read with interest under CLASSROOM your Crayon box Theory🖍 You asked if there was something we'd like further explained...emotional intelligence with real life stories please!

This is my progression. We do it on the stairs with our face and we do it on a bar until we’re comfy and then I take all supporting items away.

Let's get Nicole's Children's Books into our Libraries! Ours has a website and a RECOMMEND A TITLE option. It was easy to do!

Mind Matters & Dark Psychology: Why Statements Reveal More Than QuestionsDive in, enjoy, and start transforming every conversation — in the pool, on the deck, and in leadership.