First swimming lessons

The boys had their very first swimming lessons a few weeks ago and, let me just say, it was quite the learning experience for us all.  For 2 weeks Tuesday-Friday 30 minutes each day.  All I could think of was how much fun the boys would have and how much they would learn.

Day 1 started off great in the kiddy pool area.

They generally listened well, kicked, splashed, and did as they were told.

They moved to the bigger pool and kicked some more on the kick board.

L, their instructor, was really great with them.

Their least favorite part was waiting for their turn to swim again.

I tried to keep my distance but, sure enough, they would come running to me each time they were supposed to be waiting.

One problem I didn’t foresee is that the pool is indoors and at 8:45 in the morning the water is cold.  And it didn’t help they had to sit and wait in between making themselves colder and colder.

So as the days went on the more reluctant they became to get in the water.

A lot fussing, and not a lot of swimming was included in that.  I almost thought about just letting them quit the lessons, they were pretty miserable, shivering, blue lips.  NOT having fun.  But we aren’t quitters :).

But then L had a brilliant idea.  In rotation with the swim lessons, she included some “fun” stuff, that also really helped them warm up.

Like playing on the lilly pads and ropes.

Hard Lessons,

equal fun rewards.

After the last day, they were having so much fun, they didn’t want to quit.  After lessons they also got to get into the hot tub to warm up.

Did you or your kids taking swimming lessons?  How did you/they do?