Once a year we plan a mini vacation to spend time with my in-laws who currently live in South America. A little over a year ago when my LO was turning 3, this time we took our Annual In-Law Trip to beautiful Kailua-Kona and we learned that our LO loved the water. During our vacation we made it a point to have her swim/float at least once a day at the pool and it was amazing! She used arm floaties the entire time and it seemed like she was made for the water.
Needless to say, when we returned home we quickly signed her up for swim lessons at a nearby recreation center. It was a parent and toddler class where we sang nursery rhymes but the lyrics were changed to say things about kicking, paddling, holding your breath, etc. Singing made it really fun and it really helped them feel comfortable in the water without even thinking about it.
After 10 lessons at 30 minutes each, she was able to hold her breath underwater for about 5 seconds at a time and was brave enough to jump in the pool by herself, of course either myself or my hubby was there to pull her up for air after jumping in. It was so thrilling to see her improving at each session!
Winter break came along and classes were not being offered at that time so we waited until the next available session but of course, life came into play and time went by so quickly that it has now been over a year since her first swimming class.
A year later and a year older she is taking lessons at a new swimming facility and we're starting at square one. She's more timid about getting in the pool, maybe because we're not in the water with her but once in the heated pool she flashes her big smile and waves at us with approval of her efforts.
Watching her start from the bottom was hard for me, the regret that I should have been more adamant at keeping her and myself motivated to practice more. Her fourth session was last week and has been improving each time. I've finally let go of that regret, focusing on the now, and enjoying her evening swim under the stars.
