We have been waiting for the boy to be over 3 years old to take swim lessons. I have mentioned this in my posts before. For most classes, once the child is over 3 the parents no longer have to participate actively in the class (swim lessons, soccer, gymnastics, what have you). I actively participate with my child for all (most) of the time that we are together, so I kind of want to take him to a class, sit on the side lines, and watch. No mamma management required (during the class).
Melkamu started swim lessons two weeks ago. The first lesson caused me some concern, but in the second lesson he was a pro. The first lesson, although he was super excited, he was super nervous too. When asked to put his ear in the water, he was out of that pool so fast and on the side lines in my arms in a millisecond. That happened three times during a 30 minute lesson - oh boy. The lesson also included me squatting next to the pool a few times, as well, so my presence was well known.
The funny thing is, that kid actually does not appear to have a fear of the water or a understanding that he would sink to the bottom without his parents holding him up. He flies down the big slides a billion times and into the water, splashes, and plays during playtime in the pool with mom and dad. He is always trying to convince us to let him go down the slide by himself or to not catch him at the bottom of the slide - "Wait over there mamma!" Pointing to the other side of the pool. No, I don't think you understand, you can't swim.
The second swim lesson was amazing! He was completely different. He was in the pool the whole time. He was dipping his ears into the water without a second thought - "To listen to his fishy", blowing bubbles during "Motorboat, Motorboat", and splashing his face with water with no worries. His teacher had him (and all the kids) floating on their backs with head and ears in the water. It was amazing. All he could talk about afterward is how much fun he had and that he wanted to do swim lessons again.
I am hopeful that he continues to enjoy the lessons, working through his fears, and trusting his teacher, while I sit on the side lines proudly watching and waving.
