Is it really even summer if you havent been in the pool yet?
We had a long day today from work/summer camp and water leaks to shopping and Costco pizza for dinner. But I just couldn’t deny the nephew a quick hour trip to the pool. We made the bargain that if he was good while we shopped, we could go to the pool for a bit after dinner.
By the time we got there at 6, the sun was behind the apartments and it was pretty breezy. The determination of kids is mind boggling to me. Chattering teeth and all, the kid was bobbing up and down, splashing and throwing fill-able water balloons at me. He had to stay in the shallow end since we are still working on the full swimming thing.
I remember in summer camp that we all had to take swim lessons. Using the little paddle boards to get our feet kicking, and using floaties and life jackets to float and practice arms first then legs. It seems simple to float but learning to let go and just breath is tricky.
Its amazing to me to think about something that seems so simple as an adult. I dont think twice about swimming since I have been swimming for 30+ and I really enjoy it. Booger loves water and is just getting excited about swimming. As I was splashing with him and giving him instructions on how to paddle I realized how much each step is a metaphor for more.
At first, he hesitated, not wanting to go any deeper than where he could reach. We hesitate in life when we feel like something is out of our reach or we aren’t good enough, or smart enough. Once he realized that I was in the pool in case he needed me he got bolder. When we have a team or a support person that we can lean on, it is easier to test the waters.
I was holding him while letting him practice relaxing and letting go just to float. It takes practice to calm your nerves and relax, taking time to think and reflect. He wanted to squirm and kick but I reminded him that I had him, let him breathe and calm before we added in the arms and legs.
One reach and kick at a time, he started to get a groove. Arms like superman and kick kick kick. He didnt want me to hold him for very long. He told me “I’m going to swim to the wall and I’m gonna try it again.” The first attempt at anything in life isnt going to go the way you planned, you wont do it right or you might even fail. Just like he did you have to keep giving it a try.
By the end of the swim, which mind you was only about 45 minutes since its chilly, Booger was so proud of himself. I was watching him and he did have a good 5 ft stretch of good swimming. He turned around and said “Auntie, did you see how good I did?” And of course I did and I gave him a big smile, a hi-five and a “Great job buddy!”
Everyday we have to jump into new things and test the waters. Yes its scary at first. You dont know if you have what it takes to learn a new skill or start a new career, or try to sell crafts on etsy. Whatever it is, it will take practice, attempt after attempt until you get to a place where you can confidently do it like its second nature. Every stroke will make you a stronger swimmer. 😉
Ok so ill leave it there with the swimming metaphors. For those of you with younger kids in summer camp and swim lessons, any suggestions? We are going to practice as much as we can. He doesnt love getting water in his ears so we might have to get some ear plugs. We need new floaties but hopefully this will be the last summer for those 🙂 let me know if you have any tips!!
The Distracted Damsel 