Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Swimming...

Yesterday brought the start of swimming classes for both Trevor and Blake. As long as it didn't go like the last set of swim classes, it would pretty much be a success.

Last time Trevor took swim classes, was about 2 years ago. It was the third level of swim classes after he and I completed two Mommy and Me classes where I was in the water with him. This class was to be kids only, with the parents right by the side of the pool. Parents weren't in the water, but they were close so kids would be comfortable. Due to my work schedule, the plan was that Daddy would go with the T, and be there. Trev knew all of this, and agreed to it. For the first 6 weeks, he was pretty good with it. He got in the water, did what the teachers asked, and let them hold him and help him. Week 7, proved to be the end of all that. For some reason, he just froze and REFUSED to do anything. He wouldn't get changed, wouldn't go in the water, wouldn't put on his suit, etc. And there wasn't ANYTHING that Daddy could do. So they came home, and he never went back again... and that was the last swim class he took.

Since then, he's started preschool which I think had a large impact. He's learned to interact with teachers and other adults with out me always being present. He's played t-ball last year, which was a great success, but I fully worried that he would quit and refuse to deal with the coach. Obviously, I was wrong and he's grown up quite a bit....

Regardless, when the topic of swimming classes came up again - at Trevor's request - I was nervous. We've been talking on and off about them and the expectations for a while. We've been talking about who will take him (Daddy most of the time), what is expected of him (participation), and that he will be in the water with the teacher without either of us. And then of course, there's the Blake factor. Blake was always interested in the swim class conversations that T and I would have, and he claimed to want to take classes too. Last week we went to a new place (for various reasons), we checked it out, they agreed to all terms and conditions (and signed their lives away on waivers!), so I signed them up. So the question remained, how would things pan out for EACH of them.

So yesterday afternoon, I went to work, and Daddy took them both to class. They got dressed here before leaving, and apparently Blake started claiming "I don't wanna go in the water!". This continued for the car ride up to the pool, and into the place. Trevor, meanwhile, had no issues. Meanwhile, Trev was all about being good and doing what he was supposed to, so that he could come home and play the Wii that night!! (ah, what motivation will do for ya!).

So, Trev went in the water, did what the teachers asked, and was a good kid. Blake, sat on the edge of the pool in a puddle, and did nothing. Trev wore a floaty (as did all the kids), floated on his back, blew bubbles, jumped in the deep part, and practiced kicking while holding on to the edge. Blake... sat in a puddle.

On the high side, Blake did sit right by the pool, and watch, and was good. He just didn't go in. So maybe next week he'll go in. We've talked about it already, and set the expectation that he is to go in. So we'll see. And Trevor is being supportive and telling B, that it was fun and the teacher was nice, so I'm hoping that will help.

I guess 1 out of 2 ain't bad. And at least he didn't have a total fit or meltdown.... which is major progress for Blake and teachers/adults he doesn't know. He is only about 6 months older than Trevor was when he refused to be in the class 2 years ago. So what more can I expect....

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

dude.. i totally dig the St Patrick's Day shamrocks thing, but it took like 10 minutes to read your posting between the shamrocks.. I'm not sure I caught everything. I can't believe you only have a month to go!