The warm water, the plump water baby, the exuberant first grader, the shyer 4 year old, and the exploratory third grader, not to mention the water loving mama make for a perfect outing to the pool.

Hold your baby close, bounce around in a circle. Listen to the soft coos, encourage the kicks, ever getting the small baby face closer to the water, letting her know that the water is fun.

It all goes a ways toward real swimming eventually.

But the real reward is the bond you build. Your eyes lock, your breath catches, time stops as you are the only people in the room.

Take your kids swimming. Relax and enjoy the water with them. You won’t regret it.