After several of our friends raved and reviewed about a local swim teacher, we thought we would begin our quest in searching for an effective swim instructor. Some of our friends had enrolled in swim programs that met once a week for 30 minutes. These kids have been in the lessons for 3 months now and are still not swimming. Others had enrolled in a rigorous program that met for eight consecutive days for ten minutes. That's right, TEN MINUTES!!! First of all, I am a woman of rigor and I am all for speedy results but I was absolutely skeptical of the fact that a teacher could teach a toddler (and infants) how to swim in ten minutes in eight days. Sounded way too good to be true.
As I continued my quest in researching schools, the Learn to Swim in 8 days: Infant Aquatics program was continually brought up and parents were thrilled with the progress and the fact that their child(ren) were great swimmers...all in just ten minutes a day for eight days. I was overwhelmed by the majority of parents that highly recommended Ms. Kris for swimming lessons. At this point, I was convinced that this had to be the best place in town!
On Day 1, we arrived and to our surprise, found a fellow fire family and friend enrolled in the appointment time slot right before us. This was reassuring! To put our experience in a nutshell on day 1: Andrew swam...but was very upset! He managed to cry the entire lesson. But at the end of the day, he was able to grasp breathing control and retain memory of turning and reaching for the wall upon contact of the water. It was not a pretty site in terms of Andrew being a happy camper but alas, it was day 1. Over and out!
Pretty much sums up day 1.
As the week progressed, Andrew was doing great. He was swimming!!! He even managed to swim in between the tears and the obstinate demeanor. He did not want to be forced under water and he certainly let Ms. Kris know that he was not having it. I have to say, at this rate and rigor, I can't imagine if Andrew or any kid for that matter would be able to get more than ten minutes in. This kid was exhausted. It was ten minutes of legit swimming.
Even through tears, this kid was swimming on Day 3!
During week 2, Andrew was putting together all the pieces and was quite the swimmer. He had great kicks and "superior arms" as Ms. Kris stated. Again, the tears and crying commenced. This began to be frustrating because he was doing so well but despite the tears, he was still following directions and listening to his teacher. What's with this kid? On Wednesday of week 2, we put the swim lessons to the test! My middle school team and I met with all of our kiddos and swam for the day. Don't you worry, we were going to practice! And practice we did! Andrew swam GREAT!! And better yet, he did not shed 1 tear. It almost seemed to a point that he was showing off. I was so proud of my boy and very impressed. He kept asking to swim, something I had never heard him ask to do. During our swim fest, Andrew and two of the kids were walking around the steps of the jacuzzi in a circle. Andrew slipped and fell and was forced in the middle of the jacuzzi. Normally, there would have been a panic that would overcome me and I would have sprung into action to get him to the step. But something in me decided to wait a moment to see what he would do. Proud mama alert: Andrew kicked off of the bottom of the hot tub and with arms extended, swam to the edge of the wall and pulled himself out. No tears, no visible signs of stress, nothing! It was at that moment, it was all worth it! The rigor, the tears, the frustration, the commitment of driving everyday, everything...it was all worth it! My boy is a swimmer!
Our last day of swim lessons, Andrew walked into the lesson a completely different kid. There was a confidence about him. He willingly let me take off his shirt and didn't fight to get into the water. He even jumped into the arms of the assistant instructor...and if you know my kid and his Stranger Danger mentality, this was a VERY BIG step for him. I was delighted and thrilled that Andrew swam with gusto his entire session, without tears! My boy is a swimmer! A happy and can-do swimmer!
Usually he is so photogenic. You can see the smirk...he is fighting looking like he is pleased with himself!
Thank you for making my little boy a swimmer Kris!
I am not one to advertise and promote products and services on my blog. However, in this life-saving skill and milestone experience, I would be remiss if I did not highly recommend Kris Battista's Learn to Swim in 8 days program. While it is expensive, the peace of mind I have, the confidence I see exuding out of my son, and overall, the cost of preparing my son for this life saving skill; priceless! Her program is worth every penny...I promise!
Kris Battista's Learn to Swim in 8 Days: http://www.learntoswimin10days.com/
