Back in the Pool

Today was Alexa's first swim lesson in nearly four weeks, so I was very anxious to see how she would do. As you may recall, the recent lessons have been utter disasters with Alexa crying for the complete duration of the 30 minute class. In any other circumstance, I might have given her a break from lessons, but when there's a pool in the backyard we don't have the luxury of deferring lessons - knowing how to swim is a "must."

Damon and I tried every possible bribe this morning to try to entice Alexa to enjoy her lesson and make it though the class without crying. She had a lot hinging on today's lesson - watching tv, two Disney princess dolls, a trip to the library....not our best parenting, but it was worth a shot. On the way there, I told Alexa about my swim lessons at the YMCA when I was young in a last-ditch effort to help her understand the importance of the lessons.

She walked into the pool area without me having to literally peel her off my leg, so I knew we were off to a better start than four weeks ago. She was the only swimmer in her class today, so Coach Nick wasted no time submerging her under the water and getting her face and hair wet. So far so good. He was definitely pushing her more than he ever had before, a very welcome change in my book, but within two minutes, the tears and sobs began. Argh. However, I don't know if it was my disapproving glance, the promises of the bribes or perhaps the power of the pink giraffe swimsuit, but Alexa continued to do everything Coach Nick asked her to do - even with the tears rolling down her face.

I don't think I've ever been more proud...she showed the "Niehoff toughness" that I value so much. After about five minutes of tears, she stopped crying and actually seemed to enjoy herself; I even saw a smile. Coach Nick, I swear he has the patience of a saint, was swimming the length of the pool with her, teaching her the proper strokes and pushing her well-beyond her normal comfort zone. This was one of her best lessons in a VERY long time! When I met her at the end of her lesson, she was beaming with pride; she exclaimed, "I was crying but I stopped myself and just started swimming. I swam the whole pool!"

And she did get to watch 30 minutes of tv before our trip to the library...but no Princess dolls. Maybe next week ;)

Not a happy swimmer - - but doing everything she was asked.

Tears are gone....YEAH!