This summer when the kids did swim camp, another mother said that when they can pass level 4, they have reached the point of being able to swim and not die. After that, she said, they are just learning new strokes. In level 4, they master the free style.
So level 4 was our benchmark. Matthew is a proficient swimmer, I am not. I am able to not die, and I can float on my back like a champion, but putting my head under water without holding my nose is something I only tried a few months ago. Swimming seemed like a good life skill for my children so once they finally agreed to lessons I mandated they couldn't quit until after they passed level 4. To sweeten the deal, Matthew and I agreed to take them to Great Wolf Lodge after they both passed.
All of this takes us to tonight when Boy Howdy passed his level!! Hallelujah! Tonight was going to be his last night of swim lessons no matter what because Matthew and I felt his skills were good enough and Boy Howdy had grown frustrated with being told he was close to passing but not yet.
What a reward for him that he got additional external validation. He was soooo excited and he really has turned into a solid swimmer. It was fun for me to watch him swim, his movements so fluid and graceful even. I'm so glad he has that evidence that hard work and dedication really do pay off.
No comments:
Post a Comment