Youngest has been taking private swimming lessons since February. Since February - that is 6 months. (With Oldest, who by now is doing an incredible backstroke, and working on proper breathing with his crawl stroke.)
They are taking swimming lessons from the best teacher we could find - an incredible young man who tolerates no nonsense, lavishes praise, and keeps them 100% on track - not easy. While one is having a lesson, the other must work on technique - even if it is blowing bubbles, etc.
3 weeks ago, Youngest was able to tolerate wearing his goggles long enough to stay underwater for more than a nanosecond. 2 weeks ago, he left his goggles on long enough to actually count to 2 under water, while hanging on to our dear Mr. Mark with both hands and both legs wrapped around Mr. Mark's leg. One week ago, Youngest left BOTH paws on his kickboard and swam out kicking with Mr. Mark's hand a fraction of an inch away from his, frequently touching Mr. Mark's hand in terror. But This Week? Youngest yelled "LOOKY DIS MOMMY!" when I reappeared at the end of their lesson:
Mr. Mark said "Ready?" and gently tugged Youngest away from the ledge seat, and then
Let Go Of The Board
Youngest kicked all around the pool, with the biggest smile (and foggiest goggles) I have ever seen. Mr. Mark was always right in front of him, smiling and talking gently to my son, who just had one of the biggest accomplishments of his life.
He swam. He really swam. All by himself. With us cheering. All the way back to the ledge. Where he handed up the kickboard to me like he's been doing it for years. And took off his foggy goggles and asked "Did you see me, Mommy? I DID IT!" And I snatched him out of that pool and smooched his little grinning cheeks right off him.
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14 comments:
Well
done.
Oh! I experienced this with my boy child this past spring! I know how proud you (and he) must be!
Yay!
What a wonderful week of firsts for your boys!
YOu must be an incredibly proud momma!
Yeah Youngest! (Yeah Mommy too!)
That's fantastic. I remember that moment with the Girl. It is SUCH a proud moment.
That is so wonderful!
You both must be proud.
YAY!
Maybe there's hope for my daughter. (Who is nine. And freaked out about swimming.)
YAY!
So maybe there's hope for my daughter? (Who is nine. And freaked out about swimming.)
So very cool. I was such a late bloomer--I was a nine year old before I was a swimmer. And I still have to re-teach myself how to ride a bike every time I get on.
Oh you gave me goosebumps! Congratulations to your boy. When my son was 12 months I took him for survival in water lessons and the day he actually floated on his back, rolled into the water and kicked to the edge, I cried. Aren't these kids wonderful?
that's soooooo great!!! congratulations, I'm really happy for you.
Doesn't the teacher make such a huge difference? You get the right one and everything falls into place. My first daughter spent 9 months at one swimming centre and actually went backwards - in both skills and confidence. We changed swimming centres and instructors on the advice of a friend and within 2 months said daughter was laughing and learning and gaining confidence with every lesson. The day she actually said "Mummy, is it swimming today? I love swimming...please say its swimming today!" I couldn't wipe the smile off my face for hours.
I'm so glad for you; those sorts of days are extra special.
That's fantastic...I really enjoyed this!
Oh gosh, I had tears in my eyes as I read that. Fantastic.
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