Allyson started swim classes two weeks ago and I am sad to report that she wants nothing to do with it. She absolutely loves playtime in the pool, but when it comes to the swimming part she absolutely hates the idea of going under the water. The class she attends is for children 6 months to 2 years old. A little advise to any other mothers out there. Before your child turns one get them used to putting their head under the water. They taught us that a childs initial reaction to being immersed under water is to hold their breath. Our instructor told us that a child will hold their breath up to 5 seconds. There is a 9 month old in our class that goes right under the water and comes right back up, catches her breath, and then just smiles. My Ally is a different story. You would think that she was dying the way she screams before it is her turn to go under. The basic training of the class is to teach the children water confidence and safety skills. Some of the techniques we are learning are floating on your back, swimming with your legs and arms, being directed under water between mommy and instructor, and floating face down in the water and learning to roll over onto your back. My sister-in-law sent me this amazing video footage of an infant who had been trained in water survival. You have to check this out.
Terrified to float on her back
Moments after being immersed under water
Refusing to jump into the water
Relieved the lessons are over and it is free time to swim and play without going under the water.
1 comments:
I just love that little face in the top picture! So cute! I hope it gets easier for Miss Ally! P.S. We took your advice and dunked Isaiah yesterday! He did pretty well!
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