Just keep swimming

Last week was supposed to be Landon's first swim class, but he was sick. So we jumped into it today. Our goal with taking him to swim is to help him overcome his fear of pools. He will jump in, but if you want him to be in the water he freaks out. He clings to you so tight you fear you'll lose your suit to his grip. And he sits so high up he's above your waist. All the while panicking if he thinks you might let go, or get him any deeper. This fear needs to be cleared away. And that is how he started out. The teacher had to hold him. But she was great at working with him and trying to ease him into it. Because she needed her arms for other kids he ended up sitting on the edge. She eventually coaxed him down to the lower ledge in the water. He was enjoying talking to the other kids and goofing off. But I was worried he wouldn't get in. 

The teacher got out a pool noodle and netting contraption that they held on to while on their stomachs and they kicked, "swimming".  The other kids did it. Next thing I knew, Landon was doing it! What??? She threw a pool toy ahead of him and he had to chase it.  He swam back and forth happily. And when they returned he actually stood on the little platform they have built for kids lessons. It's a cool thing. It lifts them up out of the water since the shallow end is not that shallow. And he refused it earlier. Woohoo! Another big step. He was jumping and kicking and playing with the kids like he'd been doing it the whole time. It only took half the class. Let's hope next week he gets right in. By the end he had even laid on his back and kicked, letting go of the instructor too! At the end they all got to take turns jumping in. I'll be excited to see how he progresses through the month. Go Landon!!

He's the one in the white shirt. I think the taunting from the girl in pink may have helped spur his entry into the pool. 

Hanging over the edge of the kid platform playing. I was very proud of him for getting over his fears today. I kept telling him how proud I was of him. In the car driving home he said, "were you so proud of me, mom, for swimming?" You betcha, kiddo! Watching your kids grow and learn is the best.