Private Swim Lessons

I signed the girls up for private swim lessons and the first lesson was yesterday. My goal was to get Sawyer some formal lessons without having to put her into the mommy and baby type of class available for her age group. She is far too advanced for that type of class, but also still a little young in age for the 3-5 year class.

As with anything like this, Sawyer would either do really well or would be very stubborn. As Jim said, this could go really well or this could go really bad!

To say that it went well is putting it mildly. She was a ROCK STAR! I know I have used that word with her to describe potty training, but really, she continues to shock me. She and Sydney were enjoying some fun swim time in the kiddie pool before the lesson. When it was time for the lesson, Sydy raced over (my little fish). Sawyer refused to get out of the kiddie pool, so I had to go after her. Needless to say, I thought, oh no, so far, not good. Once she got in the big pool with her instructor (with really no issue other than me having to get her from the kiddie pool), she listened so well, kicked really hard, scooped her hands and got dunked all the way under without complaint!!!! I am sure having Sydy there with her helped tremendously. Also, not having other kids around probably made her more comfortable to begin the whole process. Needless to say, the instructor told me that she is certainly ready for the group 3-5 year old lessons. After 6 weeks of private lessons, she will no doubt rock the group lessons! I am so proud of that little girl. Soybean challenges us in ways that we didn't have to deal with with our "chill" Sydney, but that is just her personality. Strong willed is a good thing, we just need to find ways to keep challenging her in productive, positive ways because that is when she SHINES!

Speaking of swimming, Sydney is now hurling herself into the pool! She has always loved to jump off the side, but always made me "chuck" her in (the second level ledge in the big pool frightens a lot of kids). I would toss her in pretty hard, but really wanted her to learn how to do it herself. After only one or two practice tries, she did it herself and is completely hooked. Now she can't wait to jump off of our dock to mommy or daddy. She reminds me that she can't do it until the dock is fixed!

I will bring my camera to the next private lesson. I figured the first session might be tough, but was I wrong!

Pictures next time!