Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Swimming

Swim lessons have been in full swing and my boys are having a blast. I was very worried when we arrived for our first lesson. My oldest son, T, has sensory issues and giving him a bath can be a challenge. Ears must be plugged, front hair line must not go under water, and no water must drip or dribble beyond the eye brows. Thankfully we were given an incredible instructor who shows a balance of patience, understanding, and challenge.

T attempting to get his ear in the water
The pools in NH are all outdoors and the water temperature tends to send goosebumps up your legs. Teeth chattered, heads were shaken back and forth, and hands quickly grabbed for the steps. Once the boys adjusted to the frigid water, they began to have fun. Kick boards, diving sticks, and noodles floated in and out of the pool while they worked on their skills. Sour faces were made and smiles shown depending on the challenges that were present. I sat in awe as I watched T scoop handfuls of water onto his face and hair. He jumped up and down and quickly rubbed at his eyes, but he was getting his face wet. SUCCESS! The corners of my lips began to move and my eyes got moist as I watched my son tackle another hurdle.

J blowing bubbles in the water
There is still plenty of progress to be made. T is gradually leaning back and putting his ears into the water. Nose and mouth bubbles have been blown, and his face continues to get splashed. I sit on the sidelines, trusting that his instructor will push him in the right direction and at a comfortable pace. The sun warms my back and my legs get some color as I watch and distract my little one from joining T in the water. What a perfect summer!

T waiting to jump into the water
As I watch T's instructor and marvel at the perfect balance she gives while I sit on the sideline, I can't help but think about the dynamics in a teacher/family relationship. As parents, we are asked to trust in our child's teacher...that they will find the perfect balance of patience, caring, and challenge for them. As a teacher, were are put in the position to challenge, inspire, and nurture these little bodies (and sometimes big bodies) that fill our rooms. Yet another moment that I stop and think about the importance of my job and why I love it so much.
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9 comments:

  1. Linda BJuly 5, 2011 at 5:47 AM

    Your connection is so apt, Elizabeth. I am always so grateful for the trust that parents give, too. It's a big deal, isn't it, for you to watch your sons be taught by someone else, and yet, the success you described was awesome. I loved when other adults showed my children that the world is a good place and that they can trust it. You wrote this with such good words, showing that time when the boys did hard things. Good for them, and their teachers!

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  2. SpriceJuly 5, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    Boy, you just brought back memories for me. I have two children and they are grown and married with children of their own. There was a time when I took them to swimming lessons and I remember how hard it was for them. We live in an area full of lakes so I was so convinced that they had to know how to swim. Just like you I wanted their teacher to be patient and care for them and the Lord took care of that. Their teacher is actually retired but still gives swimming lessons. She is wonderful with the children. It does make me feel that I have an important job as well to nurture and give of my best to the students I teach. Thanks for sharing. I got to go down memory lane and feel that I know I have a responsiblity to my parents as well. Happy slicing! :o)I hope your children continue with the small steps that it takes, one day at a time.

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  3. Tara @ A Teaching LifeJuly 5, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    All the work and courage and nurturing that goes into becoming a swimmer and being that swimmer's parent! Good luck...sounds like T is having fun!

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  4. Donna SmithJuly 5, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    I always love your posts. Makes me want to do parenthood all over again. There were some tough spots that I'd like to try to do a bit better now. Hope your summer continues to grow more wonderful each day!

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  5. KellylouJuly 5, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    As a mama of a teenager who grew up with sensory issues -- boy can I relate to this! Every new adventure brought smiles and tears. :) Thanks for sharing this.

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  6. UnknownJuly 5, 2011 at 6:39 PM

    Yay! How exciting to see such milestones! Thanks for sharing!

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  7. AnonymousJuly 5, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    Yeah for T. I, too, am celebrating his accomplishments in the pool today. I absolutely love what you wrote about teacher/family relationships. I firmly believe that being a mother made me a better teacher and that being a teacher made me a better mother.

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  8. AnonymousJuly 5, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    You have such great organization in your entries - paragraph to paragraph. I used to teach swimming - actually, I think it is what I'd like to do when I retire - it that ever happens. I love it.

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  9. Amanda VillagómezJuly 6, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    What a powerful post! As I got to this line, "I sit on the sidelines, trusting that his instructor will push him in the right direction and at a comfortable pace," I thought - this is one of my favorite lines. Then when I got to the last paragraph I saw how it had even more significance when you tied your experience back to teaching.

    I'm glad your boys are enjoying lessons. My girls have been doing the same.

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