Ethan’s mother and baby swimming lessons ended before Christmas, we said that we would take him swimming as a family. This hasn’t really happened and I was worried that he would forget how to swim. He isn’t a fantastic swimmer but it has taken so long to get him where it is it would be sad to lose that skill.
Thankfully we found a swimming club that suits his ability and can cater for his needs. So last week we went for a trial.
The big difference between swimming club and the lessons Ethan is used to, is that we are no longer required to swim with Ethan. There is a team of people who support the children in the water. This did cause a bit of an issue as Ethan didn’t want to go with his assigned team member and when they were swimming widths, every-time he saw us he looked like he was going to burst into tears.
It was a terrible thing to watch but we know we have to play the tough love card as Ethan will probably learn more from this swimming experience than he would from us.
So this swimming trial was a big thing for Ethan and for us. I’m having to learn to trust other people with my baby. Watching Ethan on the side of the pool, knowing that he may just throw himself into the water at any moment, and praying that someone else is keeping their eye on him was a big achievement for me.
Thankfully the trial went without a hitch and we will be joining the class again next week. We feel there will be some obstacles to overcome when Ethan has to leave us again but we will work through them.
It sounds like you have both had achievements this week….Ethan leaving you and you letting him. Well done! I hope the lessons go well x
It was also very tough for me and something that I’m still working on. It’s not easy handing his care over to someone else x
He’ll get used to it – honest! as you say he will learn far more from them than he will with you. I am quite sure Ethan won’t be the first young man who doesn’t want to go with the team member and he won’t be the last 🙂
Well done to you too for being brave and not diving in after him! I know what it’s like, it’s hard but you have to do it. Big hugs for all of you 😀
Thank you, I do fell like we are doing lots of tough love with Ethan at the moment. I know it will help him x
Hello there, this is fantastic, and well done! It is hard to play the tough love card you are right, I need to do it more often as I think it would help our little one in the long run, especially with swimming. Hope next week goes well for you all, will be thinking of you xxx #ssamazingachievements
Thank you, its very hard for me but I know its a step in the right direction x
Big accomplishment for both of you, it’s difficult to place your trust into someone else taking care of your child, especially when their vocal skills aren’t quite developed.
Well done for taking that step back x #SSAmazingAchievements
Its so hard but I know its good for Ethan. It is so hard trusting others with your children x