They are in a class of three. The instructor takes turns with each kid rotating through the three. He (Mr. Brian) sets the kids on a little shelf at the edge of the pool, then grabs them one by one, instructing each individually according to their needs/level.
The first day of class I told Mr. Brian that they don't love to put their faces in the water. They did so each probably 5-6 times during the half hour class. After class, Jackson told me didn't like it.
The second class was yesterday. Jackson was in a cranky mood after recovering from his 24 hour flu over the weekend. I told Mr. Brian that. Halfway through the class Jackson was telling me he wanted to go home. He was crying a little. But he would still go with Mr. Brian out into the water. And he even put his face under the water. He didn't like it - but Mr. Brian was able to convince him.
It's interesting because they will do things for Mr. Brian that they won't do for me. And Mr. Brian pushes them further than I do. As I sit watching the class my heart breaks a little as Mr. Brian "makes" them stay under a little longer than I would. And he convinces them to go further when I would not. I want to comfort and nurture them in a scary situation. Mr. Brian is trying to teach them to save themselves in a scary situation.
And that's why I think these lessons are so great.
Today I gave the kids a bath and Veronica put her face in the water at least 30 times in the bathtub! She kept asking me to watch. She was proud of herself and having fun doing it! I was proud of her too. Jackson wasn't interested in putting his face in the water. At least until daddy got home. The kids were out of the bath but V wanted to show daddy how she can put her face in the water. So we got a bowl of water and she was again repeatedly putting her face in the water. Jackson wanted to show off for daddy too so he also started doing it!
Amazing that sometimes you get to be the soft one and some one else can do the challenging. Not that you don't hold the bar high, but you are Mom - a person of comfort. Intersting dynamics. :)
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