Until mid-July, swimming had been a contentious subject in our home. My boys were later than most to even tolerate the pool. I’m guessing it had more to do with not being able to see so great without their glasses more than anything else. I handled their general dislike of the pool by avoiding it like the plague. Maybe not the best plan to have them overcome their fear but it was a heck of a lot easier than tantrums, tears and general mayhem. That’s all changed now. The boys’ swim instructor quickly learned to use their fiercely competitive natures against them. In a week they were proficient swimmers. By the end of their four weeks of lessons they were very good swimmers. If she wanted to work on a skill, say big arms for instance, all she had to say was, “Let’s count to see who gets the most.” Big arm strokes would fly about as if their very lives depended on it. It was highly entertaining to watch.
I am forever grateful that now my boys can swim and actually love the pool. The only problem is now that they are comfortable, well, they are more like themselves in the water. This means they are loud, competitive and displace water at high velocities. Their replication of a Phelps/Lochte showdown is particularly splash inducing and I fear for any toddlers-in-floaties that may be in their respective ‘lanes’. I apologize in advance if we run into you at the pool. If you see us coming and quiet is what you want, you may want to consider going to the library instead.
Writes for all Mommies 
I am truly rejoicing in your swimming milestones–we made somewhat lesser gains, but gains nevertheless, with my “late swimmer” of eight years this summer. I cannot tell you what a relief it was, but it sounds as if I don’t need to. A sensitive lad, we like to say that he is going through Man-o-pause. I’m figuring that he will grow out of the weeping and stomping when he hits adolescence and other endearing behaviors prevail. Please don’t send your quiet-seeking pool friends to the library if we are there. . .
Thank you! All I know is that as soon as we have something figured out, another challenge falls in our lap. At least now I realize everything is temporary and that is comforting.