She’s ready to jump in, but the thought of teaching her how to swim leaves you feeling like a fish out of water.

Melissa Love, lifeguard and swim instructor extraordinaire, shares four simple tips to keep you both afloat.

1. Get a Cue
Repeating cue phrases like “ready, go” or “one, two, three” sets up clear expectations and calms kiddie nerves. Start by demonstrating the action (say “We are going to kick,” then kick). Follow your demo by saying your cue words (“ready, go”). And then have the child perform the skill.

2. Blow It Away
To get your child to put his face in the water, use a toy or light object (like a floating turtle) and encourage him to move the object along the surface by blowing bubbles.

3. Be Silly with Similes
Keep it fun with kid-friendly language: “Float like a jellyfish,” “Glide like Superman,” “Stay straight as a pencil,” etc.

4. Don’t Force It
Pushing new skills on tots (submerging or back floating, for example) will only delay their readiness to try new things. Instead, use nonpool time to keep learning. Blow bubbles in the bathtub, sprinkle droplets at the sink. Take every opportunity to get your little minnows wet.

And they’ll be keeping their heads above water in no time.

Melissa Love Swim (818-414-2171 or melissaloveswim.wordpress.com), $35-$45 per half-hour lesson.

RECYCLE
Listen, Learn & Make Family Workshop
What: Recycle everyday stuff into creative sculptures with artist Aaron Kramer.
Why: Trashy fun for little ones.
When: Sat., 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Where: Craft and Folk Art Museum, 5814 Wilshire Blvd., at Curson Ave. R.S.V.P. (required) to 323-937-4230 ext. 50 or workshops@cafam.org. Children, $6.

ROCK
Justin Roberts Concert
What: Justin and the Not Ready for Naptime Players dish out whimsical indie rock for kiddos.
Why: Proceeds benefit Theatricum Botanicum’s Youth Education Programs.
When: Sun., 9:30 & 11:30 a.m.
Where: Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., b/t Cheney & Hillside Drs. Info at 310-455-3723. Adults and children, $10.

BUZZ
Bug and Insect Fair
What: Insect enthusiasts and educators present a festival of creepy, crawly fun.
Why: Where else can you buy a bag of ladybugs?
When: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Kidspace Children’s Museum, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., at Seco St. (626-449-9144). Fair free with museum admission, $10.

Photo:  Alberto P. Veiga / Flickr