At the pool Sunday, Nate got in a floaty ring and asked to go to the deep end of the pool to watch the people go off the diving boards. He had good timing because a string of people decided to do flips, double flips, and back flips off the diving board. It was seriously impressive to both me and Nate. Of course Nate said he wanted to go off the diving board.... into the 10 foot water. And he was very insistent about it. I told him he had to learn how to swim to go off the diving board.
What do you think Nate did the rest of the time we were at the pool? Oh yes, he would hold his breath, go under the water, and kick around. Or he would push off from the side, go under water, and propel himself forward. Every time he came up for air, he would yell, "Clap for me! I'm swimming!"
Alex saw all the attention we were giving Nate over his "swimming" and proceeded to spend more and more time going under water as well. However Alex gives no warning. He just plops under the water and stays there for however long he likes.
In general, I have nerves of steel when it comes to parenting twin boys. I've seen a huge number of crashes, falls, bumps, and bruises. But even I was thrown for a loop watching the boys purposefully go under water and wiggle around, with no idea when they were coming up. Each time as my nerves were about to fail and I moved to pull them from under water, they popped up with huge smiles on their faces.
Our original plan was to wait until they were more confident in the water before starting swim lessons. But I think jumping into water as deep as themselves unassisted and going under water on their own means they are plenty confident! Swim lessons here we come!
5 comments:
That's great! (And yes, totally with you on the sheer terror that confident children can induce in parents by staying underwater.)
The difference between my girls' confidence in the water this year compared to last summer is mind-blowing.
I've been debating when to do swim lessons, too. So far we've only been to the pool a few times this summer and they've been content in the "little pool" (don't you DARE call it the baby pool around them or I'll never speak to you again) but I know it's just a matter of time before they wonder why all the other kids go in the big pool.
Yet another thing where you're simultaneously proud of the skill development and terrified of it. :-)
I'm too stinkin' jealous to comment! LOL. But I'll look forward to the post wtih video of Nate jumping off the diving board! (Probably in a few weeks, right? LOL.)
I love that when kids want something, they go and get it! It is inspiring, really! We haven't even put Seren in a pool. Ever. The beach? Yes. But not the pool. That is one of my summer goals. Can't wait to hear about swim lessons!
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