Swim Lessons

 Despite buying a pool for the backyard this summer, Ryan made little progress in learning to swim. One problem was that our pool was not deep enough for him to really learn--the water hit him at his waist/chest, but he could still touch.  Whenever we would attempt to teach him anything, including floating on his back, moving his arms or legs appropriately or putting his face in the water and blowing bubbles, he had a complete melt-down.   When we pushed the issue, he would just decide he didn't want to swim for days after that.  We knew it was time to resume swim lessons.   Our YMCA lessons have made a BIG impact on him in a short amount of time!

 Ryan's first lesson was definitely baptism by fire.  At first he refused to get in the pool.  I had to put my stern voice on before he finally got in.  That first lesson his teachers played "Ring-around-the Rossie," where on "all fall down," everyone gets submerged for a second or two.  Ryan's response during this activity was panic, yelling, "Oh no! Oh no!Oh NO!" But he did have the sense to stop yelling and hold his nose just before getting dunked.

But now, only a month later, swim lessons are his absolute FAVORITE activity.   They have him jumping into the deep end off the diving block.   He is blowing bubbles, pushing off, volunarily submerging his head in the water, practicing correct strokes and making his way across the pool on a kickboard.  Needless to say, I am VERY happy with this progress!

As an added bonus, free swim hours are at the same time as Ryan's lessons.  Recently Josh has been able to take this time to play with Dylan in the water.  Dylan enjoys being a "jumping bean" off the side of the pool, dropping swim rings and making Josh pick them up, and kicking on his front and back.  Meanwhile, I get to sit back, relax and read a book for half an hour!