First Swim Lessons

Lachlan had his first swimming lessons over the weekend. I have to say that his little bum-bum looks sooooo aodrable in a teeny tiny speedo! If his attitude of the first lesson is any indication whether he'll be the next Ian Thorpe, we aren't crossing our fingers. Okay, so I'm being a little hard on our little man. It wasn't that bad. He was actually quite interested in getting into the pool when we arrived, that went down the drain as soon as another parent hopped in the pool and accidentally splashed water in Lachlan's face. He began to cry, which carried on for the first five minutes of class. He clung on to his father's arms and shoulders with a death grip. After five minutes he settled and moved up his status to 'willing observer.' The instructor was very nice and reassured us that we would move at Lachlan's pace and when he was ready to participate he would. Ky-Anh went through all the swim play exercises along with the other two parents. At the end of the lesson, the instructor sang and went through the movements of 'The Hokey Pokey' in the water. I watched from the side of the pool and caught a first glimpse of a smile on Lachlan's face. It only lasted a moment, but it was there. I'm sure he was surprised and relieved to hear a familiar song, one which we sing as a modified version during his dressing routine, wiping hands after meal-time and even when brushing our teeth.

After his lesson the instructor encouraged us to watch a video on water safety provided by the government. It had a lot of good tips on how to get Lachlan more comfortable with the water. Things that we actually did with him as a new born and in infancy but stopped which was a mistake because has forgotten how much he used to like playing in the water with his face and mouth. The video suggested saying 'Ready, Set' before pouring water of your child's head, which is done to condition them to get used to water in their face. At Lachlan's next bath time, I tried this and he didn't even fuss after the first time! That was the trick--all he needed was a little advance notice and he was fine. Guess he doesn't like surprises. Unfortunately in the pool, splashes are often unexpected but he'll just have to get used to that I suppose and learn to love it!

I'm so glad that we have enrolled him early in swimming lessons--when you hear that over 300 children died last year from drownings it makes you realise how important it his to have children who are capable swimmers or at least know how to float. Check out Kids Alive-Do the Five for more information on water safety.