Swim Lessons

We've tried a few different formats for swim lessons for Jack, from parent and child water exposure classes to private lessons at Grams and Gramps' pool to bigger classes with his school, but last night we started a new format with a swim school called Aqua-Tots and so far, it seems to be going really well!

Jack was very apprehensive and they don't allow parents in the pool - there's a glass wall between you and the pool in fact, but I was really proud of how well he did, despite his fears.  His teacher, Alex, had him under water in the first couple of minutes and then another 20 times or so after that.  If you had asked me if that was a good plan before we went, I most certainly would have said no, but I think it was really the way to go.  Last night before bed Jack even said to me "Momma, I kind of like going underwater now.  I like it a little bit."

He also floated on his back all alone which I thought was huge progress in the first 30 minutes.

Do you see that smile?  If you had seen him before the lesson started, you'd be amazed by this...it made me so happy!

There was even a little basketball to be played!  

And at the end of the class, Jack had earned 2 ribbons.  They were all out of the 2nd one for floating on his back, but here he is with his first one, and let me tell you, he's SO proud. As am I! 

It's amazing watching anyone overcome a fear, but watching your child overcome a fear is like nothing else I've ever experienced.  I just hope that he can stay excited until next Friday when we go back.  Cross your fingers for us! :)!

Update: we had 2 great days at the pool this weekend where Jack was happy to practice his new skills. Forgive my obnoxious "good job" at the end and focus on how brave he's become this year!

PS - Max also went under 2 times yesterday.  He's excited to do anything Jack does.  :)  We may have 2 swimmers at the end of the summer.