Calgon_Take_Me_Away
New Member
As a toddler, difficult child didn't listen very well (go figure) and it resulted in some close calls because of it. We didn't go very often, but at hotel swimming pools we would tell him to wait or stop because either we weren't in the pool yet or he was running towards the pool and twice he jumped in and was quickly in trouble. Since then he's had issues with- swimming pools ~ even if he can touch, he preferred to stay at the ladder or against the side. He's faced the fear .... yesterday we went to the waterpark as a treat for the good behavior last week. He was begging to jump off the diving board like easy child 2. I was leary of it because 1) he's not a strong swimmer, 2) I could see him freaking out after coming up and not making it to the side on his own. I allowed him to try (husband & I were both on the side close to the lifeguard) and he DID IT! He ended up jumping several times. I was impressed that he was able to release that fear of water and allow himself to have fun. Of course easy child 2 being the thrill seeker was also jumping off the high dive and difficult child wanted to .... I opted to wait until another year of swim lessons when he has better swimming ability and control over holding his breath.