This is the first summer I don’t need to get in the pool 100% of the time. It’s the first time both of my kids can stand in the pool, and because of their hard work, they can swim! Last fall we signed them up for swim lessons at a local swim school. To say it was convenient, is a serious understatement. The place is a 35min drive from our house (25 on a good day). Lessons were expensive… to say it modestly.
Sofia was 4 years old and had serious issues with putting her head under water (like… screaming issues). Alex was almost 3 and just went with the flow. My goal was to get the kids comfortable in the water without floaties; with the ultimate goal of knowing how to respond if they fell in the pool. For four months I drove twice a week for their 30minute lesson; each day wondering if the driving was worth our time. We quit because it was December, and with Christmas and new years plus mardi gras shortly after… our calendar was hectic.
I signed the kids up for a week’s swim course at our gym during spring break and still wondered how many more lessons I’d have to get under their belts before they could swim on their own. I’m not talking about swimming pool length laps; but simple strokes and floating capabilities. That week, did really well and became more comfortable with the pool. It also helped that Alex grew 3″ this school year, he can now touch on the 3ft side when standing on his toes!
Every day, we spend between an hour to two at the pool. We go swim, play, and socialize. Most importantly, I continue to watch my kids make strides in their swimming abilities. Yesterday, Sofia swam the length of the pool all by herself! She was SO HAPPY and confident! Of course, Alex had to try it too… just to say that he could. We are so proud of you Sofia!
In the end, all the driving, tears, battles, and hard work was worth it. Both kids are swimming and I can be a bit more relaxed around a pool…knowing that if they fall in, they can swim to the side.
How old were your kids when they learned to swim? Did you feel more at ease?
Tiffany's Toy Box
I can’t wait till my boys are swimming well enough to make me comfortable. they do okay, but I could never leave them in the pool alone. I am hoping this summer will be the summer they just take off! Glad you got it taken care of!! WOO! One thing off the loooong ” MOMMY TO DO List!”
xox
Tiffany
laura
Oh Tiff, I know the feeling of the long to-do list! I am only 5ft away on a chair or siting on the edge… but it’s nice to know I don’t have to be “in” the water the entire time!
Chichi
YES!!!!!! Now we all can enjoy to be in the lake. Great! Abuela is so proud of her grandkids!!!!