Swimming lessons have always been a thorn in our family's side.  My children are not afraid of the water (at least not with myself nor with their swimming instructors.)  They love to play and spash around in the water.  They are a bit timid, though, when it comes to actually learning how to do the various strokes or putting their face in the water.   We do not live close to town, so it makes it very difficult to get any practise time in.  Usually my kids are only in the water when it is lesson time. It doesn't matter how well intentioned we are every year, the extra swimming  never seems to happen.

     As a result, my kids are not very far in their levels.  Mia's friends are all in 3 or 4 levels higher than she is.  This has hurt her a great deal.  We have had to deal with many a meltdown at the pool after receiving a 'did not pass' report card.'   It is a very emotional deal for Mia and for her mom who has to deal with meltdowns in  a public place.

     We went down the swimming lesson path again three weeks ago.  She was starting a new level.  After a week, it was obvious that she wasn't going to pass.  I tried to prepare her, but those high expectations kept pushing past reality.   So I set the stage for her on the last day.  I told all of the kids that if they didn't pass, they had to keep the sadness and the tears inside of them until we got to the van.  If they didn't pass, we would pack up our stuff very quickly and rush to the van.  Once in the van, then they could cry all that they needed.   Once in the van, I would hug them and hold them all that they needed.

     I know that this sounds rather mean, but you have probably not been on a receiving end of one of Mia's meltdowns.  She is 8 now and she needs to learn how to handle her emotions with self control. 

     Well, it happened like I had thought.  Mia did very well.  She kept it all in until we got to the van.  Then she let it flow.  And flow it did.  Finally, the tears stopped enough that we were able to turn towards home.  But we had to pull over on the side of the highway once because Mia's tears were at such a force that she needed more cuddling.

     After the worse was over but the memory of defeat still vivid, Mia asked if there was another session of swimming lessons coming soon.  I told her that yes, there was, in two weeks.  She requested that she take the lessons again because  "I am going to keep taking these lessons until I pass."

     I was very proud of my girl and of her attitude.  Those countless talks of perseverance has paid off.  I saw in her that day a very strong girl who was not going to let a little setback pull her down.  She has asked to have more practise time as well.  The agony of defeat is making her stronger.  This is a hard lesson to learn but I am happy that she is learning it.

     This has made me think of all of my children.  Nothing comes easy to my children.  They do not shine athletically.  They struggle with academics.  They are not overly creative.  But my kids know how to work for want they out.  They know how to work hard.  They know how to keep pressing towards the goal.  This attitude will serve them well as they get older. 

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