06.22.07
Terrified of Swimming Lessons
My youngest child, Tyler, who is 13 is taking advanced swimming lessons right now. As I sit on the sidelines observing his calm demeanor, I am pleased with his happy disposition and progression.  At moments as I watch Tyler, I have flashes of frightened feelings  when I was a child taking swimming lessons. I was terrified of the water and had a constant stomach ache when attending swimming lessons.
When my dad dug a water hole on our farm so that our family could swim in private and without driving to town, I was finally able to relax in an unpressured environment, and gradually overcame my fear of the water. I will probably always have reoccurring childhood memories of frightening times at swimming lessons even though I am no longer scared of the water.
Of course, I didn’t realize when I was a kid that all I needed was a relaxed atmosphere to learn and progress at my own speed. I came to the realization as I raised my children that swimming lessons are a waste of time and money if you have a child that is frightened of the water. I have learned that it is best to take small children to the pool in a safe, relaxed family setting.  Children thrive in an unpressured atmosphere, and although all six of my children progressed developing their water skills at different rates, they all learned to swim and they all enjoy the water.
I sincerely believe whether you are slow or quick to enjoy the water, everyone can learn water skills.