If we were in college instead of beginner swim lessons, this would be mid-term week. And you know what? We would have passed…. with (almost) flying colors.
Those of you that have been following our journey of swim lessons at Charlotte Aquatics this past month have read about my false sense of hope after the first class, and then two pretty bad weeks after with a crying baby during and terrified and tantrum throwing three-year-old.
It’s been tough, especially with Will, the youngest. Our fourth class started out much the same as the last few classes had. He cried. I cuddled. I felt guilty. I continued to smile throughout the class and did my best to encourage him to have fun, but in my heart I was beginning to falter. Why make him go through this?
Why? Because, I don’t want him to drown. Yep, this was safety week and Lord knows, I’m all for safety in the water. The babies wore their clothes in the water to simulate what it would be like if he unexpectedly fell in a pool. They wore life jackets. And, Will SCREAMED throughout the duration of this.
The teacher pointed out to me though, that although he’s pissed with me and the pool, he actually does all of the things he is being coached to do. He holds his breath under water, climbs out of the pool with assistance, and does the back-float. So no, not a model student, but a student none the less.
On to Graham. During the last class at Charlotte Aquatics, I had to get all mean-mommy on him and tell him that under no circumstance was I going to let him get out of the pool. He could throw a fit, scream bloody murder, but he was gonna be in that pool. Like it or not. Well, last week, he didn’t like it so much.
This week? This week a different Graham showed up at swim class. He walked right on into that pool. He climbed along the wall, went under water… I couldn’t believe it. Like during Will’s class, they had the opportunity to wear their clothes in the water, don life jackets and even ride in a boat in the pool. Being a lake bum, this is where my kid shines. He’s used to wearing a life jacket and getting his clothes wet.
Whether it was the new class experiences or because I hid in another room for the duration of the class, I’ve yet to find out. But it’s getting better. My kids are becoming swimmers. Let’s all do a little dance.
Want to learn more about swim lessons at Charlotte Aquatics Center? Click here for more info. I was given the fabulous opportunity to send my children to these classes in exchange for my feedback and reviews, however as always all opinions are my own.
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