So today was the first day of swim class. He bravely went with me (with his eye on the prize...I had a good reward for him if he did what the teacher asked of him) But when he saw the pool he clawed, hit & kicked me, ran away twice and cried the entire time. And they didn't even get into the water!
I just don't know which role to play:
He clearly wasn't going to have it, I'm sure it was ruining the experience for the other kids and I know he was completely stressing me out (Mortified Mom). Is it ok to quit the class (Pushover Mom)? What's the big deal if he doesn't swim this year (Laid back Mom)? The hang-up is that I don't give in to tantrums so I'm worried about what this decision will teach him (Disciplinarian Mom). And maybe he just needs to try it for a day or two and then he'll find that he likes it (Optimistic Mom). I really just wanted him to be ok with swimming for our trip to Hawaii in November (Disappointed Mom).
Anyone have any advice?
1 month ago
9 comments:
Wow, tough one. And though I am no parenting expert, I was a kid with a fear of water once. I would probably insist that he go at least another couple times (Optimistic / Reasonably Disciplinarian Mom) and if it really doesn't get any better, cut your losses and give it a shot when he is better able to deal with his fears (Laid-Back / Realistic Mom). Good luck!!
No advice here... If I had any though, I would definitely share. Didn't he really enjoy swimming lessons last year? Oh, and I am so jealous about your Hawaii trip! So fun!
I have no advice! But I just loved your post. I'm still laughing because it is SO HOW IT IS!! I'm interested to hear what role you decide to take this time ;-) Good luck!!
I can't wait to find out what happens next. Mom
I'm as torn as you are. If you hadn't presented all those choices, it would be a lot easier to pick one! But I'm inclined to agree with your pal Sarah... give it another day or two and see how it goes. If it's a disaster, well, there's always next year. Good luck!
So I was blogstalking and came accross your blog and had to post a comment here. I used to teach swim lessons to 3 - 5 year olds, so I've seen this so many times. Basically what he'll learn at this stage is to just put his face in the water and blow bubbles, then he'll eventually get a kickboard and kick. This is something you may be able to practice with him on your own in the tub or plastic pool. Get him used to putting his face in and it might help him not be so afraid of the water. If he wont even go in during the lessons, there's no point in going. By the way, we have a pool you're welcome to use!
Hey Madsens, just wanted to let you know that we moved to Layton Utah. We had planned to move to Logan, but found out in late January that IHC was bringing a derm into Logan. So we didn't want to jump into a crowded pool,(see I talked about swimming kind of), we found a retiring Dermatologist in South Ogden who was selling his practice, so here we are. Fun to hear from you and hope you have a great summer.
Don't make it a "power play" between you and Campbell. He needs a friend to "share" the experience with. He did great last year. You need to determine if it is from fear, not wanting to participate in the "group" experience, or just not wanting to do this at this time.
More than anything, his response method needs to be dealt with.
...Just a Grandpa's perspective.
Ok, I admit I laughed out loud at all of your emotions and as you typed out ALL the different roles we play as moms. It was awesome! I went through the same thing with Gabe last year, and we're still waiting on swim lessons. I love seeing pics of your kids. They're beautiful. Glad you're having a great summer!
Lana
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