All's Not Well in the Sea of Swim About This Page:

[Nimros]

DDs went to their second week of swim classes today; they were all happy and excited to go and couldn't wait to get back in the pool.

When class was over, DD Cory comes hurrying over to me saying she was having a bad day; they yelled at her, etc. And then, here comes Miss Sue, the instructor. She put a hand on both little girls' heads and told me she is hearing nothing but "I can't" and "I won't" from both girls - and lots of excuses why they can't do it. They want to play around in the water, but aren't putting forth an effort to swim.

Sigh. This is nothing new, as older DD and I have experienced the same thing when we've tried to show them how to swim. So I know she's being very honest with me.

Then, DD Cory proceeds to talk back to Miss Sue, and say she WAS trying, but...excuse, excuse, excuse!!! Cory is a very strong-willed young lady, as some of you may know, but I was very embarrassed at her behavior - and told her so.

Miss Sue (who is a tough old lady) told me she knows DD Kelley has some fears around the water that she'll need to work through, but she told the girls there wasn't a safer place on earth to practice swimming with four lifeguards right there at all times.

So. We'll be doing a lot of talking tonight and maybe a story or two on persistence and working through your fears.

Swim pixies would be most appreciated...along with good manners pixies.

[Cam22]

and for your girls!

[Jookiba]

[jenifermg0]

Just signed DS up for swim lessons today - I sure hope I'm not reading a preview of things to come!! My child is stubborn and stong willed too, so I can easily see him doing this! Pixies for you and your DDs!! Wish us luck too!

[chezp]

and

[bitterchickey]

I know the manners thing is important, but you should be happy your girls are secure enough to stand up for themselves even to an authority figure! So many kids are taught to keep their mouths shut, and be polite, sometimes to their own detriment. Kids know when they don't feel "right" around certain situations and certain people, don't disregard their opinions.
Ok off the soapbox....
Here's hoping things work out!

[Grandmasam]

[lauren-roxy]

[chelle89]

Good Luck!

[poohmaine]

I hope your DDs overcome their fears and enjoy class again! It's so important to know how to swim!

[Belle*]

Swim on the way! We also had a difficult time with swim classes.

[cynholjot]

[DisneyBlonde]

[Nimros]

Originally Posted by bitterchickey

I know the manners thing is important, but you should be happy your girls are secure enough to stand up for themselves even to an authority figure!

Chantel, I'm so glad you mentioned this. I'm very aware of this fact - and I've always tried to encourage my kids to speak up for themselves and follow their feelings, and that just because someone is an adult, doesn't mean they have to do everything they tell them (I'm sure you all know what I'm referring to by this, but it goes for a lot of other things, too.)

Most adults get really annoyed when kids don't automatically accept everything they say. And there's that fine line of speaking your truth/standing your ground and yet not being rude and obnoxious at the same time. It's hard for adults to do that with each other - but imagine being a kid and trying to do it!! Cory and I need to work on this.

[DisneyFanAnn]