Thursday, March 29, 2012

Taking the Plunge




I had no idea what to expect going into my child’s first swimming lesson at USSA. For one thing, she hadn’t so much as dipped her toe in water for almost a year, since last summer. And her last experience with swimming lessons was practically traumatizing.


She had wanted absolutely no part in those lessons and why would it be any different now? So, I watched on nervously as my youngest, Ruby (4 1/2), began her private lesson with Coach Chrissy. I was surprised that I didn’t need to get in the water with her this time. Maybe they were going to assume she was farther along than she was. But, they had asked me about her current swimming skills before the lesson.


She had wanted absolutely no part in those lessons and why would it be any different now? So, I watched on nervously as my youngest, Ruby (4 1/2), began her private lesson with Coach Chrissy. I was surprised that I didn’t need to get in the water with her this time. Maybe they were going to assume she was farther along than she was. But, they had asked me about her current swimming skills before the lesson.


To my utter surprise, Ruby didn’t hesitate or complain at all as Coach Chrissy scooped her gently into the water of the pool. And then the games began. Ruby was told to “blow her bubbles” as she transferred colorful rings from the side of the pool to a platform in the water. And did she do it? Yes! Every time! My stubborn girl was following instructions beautifully. And she was doing it with a smile plastered on her face and giggles oozing out of her.



For the next round, little squid-shaped toys became food items and even I wanted to join in the fun. And for the finale, Coach Chrissy calmly plunged Ruby completely under the water and Ruby didn’t even bat an eyelash.


But, I should have known the crying was coming: when the lesson ended, that is. Ruby did NOT want to stop. She was having too much fun! And who could blame her? What had I been so worried about? With skilled coaches and fun toys and tactics, swimming lessons really don’t have to be all tears and screams. They can be gallons of fun!

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