Swim Class - can only afford 1 class
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Anonymous
Obviously I'm turned off by suggestions of spending more time at a place that holds little interest or value to me. Duh. But I'd get in the pool a 2-3 times to work with DC, but we won't see a pool again until next summer at the earliest. |
Anonymous
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OP, kids should learn to swim. For safety, for socialization, for exercise or future sports considerations. Even if you hate the pool and the beach. Because, you know, it's not really all about you and your preferences any more.
Fwiw, I totally get hating the pool; I would seriously never ever ever go without kids. But we joined a neighborhood pool when my oldest was 1yo, and it is the Best.Thing.Ever. In one package, my kids get fresh air, exercise, fun, socializing and a sense of community. My oldest especially benefits, since he is a little geeky and also as a tween is all too happy to to live for his electronics. But at the pool, he's got a million friends, and there's always a game to join. Luckily we've just hit the point where my youngest (6yo) is a strong enough swimmer that I don't feel compelled to get in with him I still hate the pool; I bring my laptop and sit in the shade, or chat with neighbors, most of whom I don't see much elsewhere because of work and other obligations. It's really the best part of my summer, despite the fact that I still hate swimming! |
Anonymous
Thank you for the response. I know it is totally not all about us. We do plenty of other things I wouldn't do if it werent for the kiddos. If DC was sincerely interested, he could do it again. As it stands, we are able to sign up for only two extra circular activities a year. Doubtful he will give up winter activity for swimming. |
Anonymous
| There is more to swimming than getting your head under the water. This isn't about money but you're not wanting to do it. You are being really selfish. I HATE HATE HATE the pool but my kids go to daily swim class through the county (you don't have to go in - just sit there with your iPad or phone for 30 minutes) as they like it and dad takes them on weekends and evenings. Dad also takes them in the winter to swim classes. Water safety is important. |
Anonymous
Ha! You made me laugh! |
Anonymous
 Good but not trying to. I really hate the pool. The worst part is the classes are at 9 am and I am not a morning person. I hope my kids knows how much I love them.
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Anonymous
Everyone has trade-offs to make. Just because some can't afford to put all their precious "extra" time or money on one thing like swimming doesn't mean they aren't making sacrifices for their kids or doing things with their kids that make difference to society or teaching them safety or teaching them that not every thing is about them -- they have relatives who need care and feeding too. |
Anonymous
| I won't give into bullying -- my kids depend on it. |
Anonymous
| Weirdest. Thread. Ever. |
Anonymous
| This isn't a sports issue. This is a safety issue. Kids die from drowning everyday, and you obviously don't care if your child does as well. I actually don't get this at all. |
Anonymous
If you are low income/cannot afford it, then most counties have low income grants to help. They have them during the week and the summer so there is no excuse - trust me, if I could come up with one, I would. The county is $60 for a session for two weeks of 8 lessons or 6-8 weeks of one day a week. We have complicated lives and are caretakers for relatives and because I am the caretaker I cannot work. Excuses are easy but why post about it when you really have no intention of doing it. But, having basic swim knowledge - more than just putting your head under the water (which I will not do) is important. |
Anonymous
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OP, yes I think your child should take swimming, but no, I don't think it will 'stick' if he doesn't get in the pool again until next year. I am an adult, non-swimmer, despite my parents' periodic efforts to put me in swim class as a kid during a few summers. It was too inconsistent, and swimming didn't come naturally to me, so I never truly learned to swim (but I am very comfortable in the water, and not afraid, which is good).
As an adult, I've periodically tried swim lessons, but it still hasn't 'stuck.' I think the biggest problem for me as an adult is that the gaps between the time I have available to take lessons cause me to regress in skill, so I am not much farther along than when I started. My takeaway is that continuity is key. |
Anonymous
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I was an early swimmer who's raising early swimmers, so I'm a little biased, but since you asked:
Your 7yo should be doggy paddling by now, and DEFINITELY should have his head underwater by now. I'm not trying to be mean but he really should. He'll get more fearful as he gets older, and he'll stick out from his peers, so I'm going to vote yes on classes just for the sake of getting him that far along. Go for it, OP. |
Anonymous
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Every kid should learn to swim. Whether you like pools or swimming is irrelevant. Your kid will have a lifetime of opportunities to drown if you don't teach him how to swim. I hate swimming and pools too, but I made sure my kids were strong swimmers because I think it is one of my duties as a parent to give them that life skill.
For example, my kids get invited to several birthday pool parties a year. The end of year school parties in our Arlington public schools have been at a local swimming pool for the past 3 years. There is a week-long swimming unit every year in PE. Many summer camps have a swim component (for example, my kid's summer basketball camp has a swim break every day.) Your kid will be invited to social/work events on boats, in or near the water, etc. for the rest of his life. He will be invited to the beach with friends, will want to go to Beach Week and Spring Break in HS/college, etc. |
Anonymous
| And lets not forget the annual drownings at amusement parks... |