Swimming Lessons {Xavier}

We did a week of private swimming lessons last week.  It was a long week, having to drive everyday, but it was worth it to see the children's growth.  Xavier has previously been pretty timid in the water.  He preferred to have a puddle jumper on at all times and didn't believe he really had any control over his fate in the water.  He grew a lot in his week of lessons with Skylar.

 

 

 

I got discouraged when, on Wednesday, Xavier's fear won over and he wasn't able to jump off the board.  We talked a lot about fear, trust, and being confident in himself after this.  

 

On Thursday, Skylar let Xavier jump off the board with a pool noodle.  He was willing to try this and I think it boosted his confidence.

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Imagine my surprise (and pride) when on Friday, the last day of lessons, Xavier announced he was jumping solo!!  He didn't want to be caught and he didn't want the noodle.  Whoa!  Bravery!  Not only did he say it but he did it!  More than once.   

 Skylar did tread near his jump zone and made sure he got to the side, but overall he did it! 

 

Besides just jumping solo, Xavier also learned to hold his breath longer underwater and, most importantly, learned to trust himself and his abilities in the water.  We're proud of you, buddy!