Swimming

Mikayla has always been a little timid in the water.  But, this spring I really wanted to emphasize learning to swim.  She has been in lessons off and on since she was one.  But, she was in two sessions this spring, one two-week session in Barrington and is now back at the Y.  Although she hadn't 'passed' any of these classes, I could see the progress she was making.  Her confidence was coming along and she was having fun putting her head under water.  But, she was still afraid for the teacher to let go of her.

But, the first day of class, she started to freaking out.  She was scared because the teacher was male and she was afraid he would let go of her. This was turning into a disaster.  The first time she screamed 20 minutes and the second time 25 minutes (for a 45 minute class)  I was beside myself and didn't know what to do to encourage her.  I was afraid we were regressing from what we have learned the last few months and didn't want all of that to go to waste.  We went the third time.  I was all prepared-I promised tons of things (tv, snacks, treats) and talked about how important it was to learn to swim.   On the way in, she told me she was nervous and I told her to hold my hand tight then.  She went in and within seconds had her head underwater.  On the way home, she told me that was the most fun she had ever had in the water.  Boy, do I feel relieved.  I didn't know how to handle this--most people were just recommending to take her out and I didn't think it was the right thing--I guess I know her best and know how she would react--but I didn't know how this was going to end up.  As of now, good.