The Arctic Edge is underway! Here are a couple of pictures from Kendyll and Carlie's first day of VBS this year. 
It has been so much fun so far, and I can already say that all those days of working long hours to get ready, have been completely worth it. Just seeing the kids loving everything and watching everyone work together for the sake of the children, is wonderful. Three more days to go, and then my summertime becomes much more "summer like" with days of going nowhere and playing all day. :) As much as I love VBS, I'm ready for that too!The other big part of our week is Kendyll's swimming lessons. We tried them last year, only to end up with a child that was MORE scared of the water than when she started. Kendyll had nightmares about being underwater and wouldn't get in the pool without a fight for the rest of the summer. So, I thought this year would be better. So far, no such luck. She did great for the first 15 minutes of the first lesson yesterday. We've been downhill ever since. We're hoping tomorrow might be better because we're going to try Kendyll and Carlie BOTH having lessons at the same time. Even though Carlie is two and a half years younger, she is willing and ready to do everything that Kendyll is scared of. So, we're going to see if that helps.
It's amazing how much a mother can worry and fret over such "little things" like swimming lessons. I have had a hard time with this, and am trying my best to make a good decision for Kendyll. She has always been a cautious child, who is just naturally more fearful than many others. Although many don't understand that part of her very well, and think she should just "snap out of it", I do understand! Because I was just like her.So, Kendyll, when you read this someday, and wonder why you had to swim when you didn't like it and didn't want to, just know that we are trying every day to make the right decisions to make you a strong, confident girl, who knows that she is capable of more than she thinks she is. And, that, with God's help, you can be brave in all situations. Meanwhile, in my own head, I go back and forth about what is best. Do I force (or strongly encourage) her to continue on in lessons even though she's terrified to the point of not even wanting to take a bath (last night) because it involves water? Or, at some point, do I just back off and forget it until she decides it's worth it. For now, I've gone somewhere in the middle by making her go, but trying to help her understand that I know how she feels, that I'm not going to let anything happen to her, and that, starting tomorrow, I will be right next to her in the water too.
Oh, the issues that become important when you're a mommy to little ones. I apologize to all of you who are not mommies to little ones and have to read silly blogs like this one from me. I know in a few days this will all be better. But, man, watching your child be scared, no matter the reason, is so tough! At least I won't be doing this at all with Carlie. :)
7 comments:
It sounds like you have a good balance (exactly what I would expect of your mommy abilities). I know a friend's daughter who REFUSED to put her head under water and would even vomit when she made her get in the water and attempt swimming. I think last year was her first summer to actually swim under water (she just turned 7). So...it may not be this year, but it will happen:). I know it is frustrating because you want them to have fun and not fear for their lives, but it is one of those little things that will work itself out. You are a great mom!
Bryce hated every day of swimming lessons and now is like a little fish. She'll love it when she gets out there and has noone making her swim! She'll come around.
Swimming is one of the best things you can "make" your child do. It IS supposed to be fun but you want them to know how to be safe in the water most of all. So don't doubt for a minute that you are doing something wrong. You are a good mom! Last year when Hollyn took lessons with Ridgedon she was the same way. Nearly throwing up from crying so much. It did help when I sat near her at the pool. When it wasn't her turn we would cuddle and talk about how brave she was and how we wouldn't do anything that we thought would hurt her. She came around and so will Kendyll!
I am sure that Kendyll will come around soon. Linda does such a super job so I am sure the problems she is having will go away. Kaylee just had to out grow it.
Love the pictures of VBS. I have heard you are going to help head things up next year. You have always been so creative. Can't wait to see more pictures!!!
You are such a good mother, Chelsea. I think you are doing the right thing. Sometimes I have to "force" Kylie to do things for her own good and sometimes I just have to quit and step back and say, "maybe in another year." You know Kendyll best and I know that you will do the right thing for her!
As far as VBS goes, I am so PROUD of the job that we are doing. I am so glad that I get to work with you and see your sweet family everyday. I know that I will miss seeing everyone when it's over!
Chels--cute VBS pics. Ours isn't till the end of July and I am not sure they will have shirts for the babies. But my niece is coming in town for it again this year so I will get to experience it again this year alongside my precious, Brielle.
Speaking of, Brielle (now age 7)was terrified of the water and dispite swimming lessons always preferred to play on the steps or VERY close to the steps. She wouldn't put her face in or even go away from the steps if you held her. I made a welcome basket for her when she arrived and on a whim bought one of those face masks that covers your whole face. SHE LOVED IT!! She even wore it while she watched TV!! At the beginning of the week, she'd barely put her face in (with the mask on). By week's end she was going all the way under picking up things from the bottom....away from the steps. She even jumped in off the side of the pool. Mom and I were FLOORED!! My new strategy was just to let her explore the water on her own. I'd ask her if she wanted to go into the "deep" with me and she'd say no. No big deal I went without her and she gradually came along.
I think it's great that you will be next to Kendyll and that you are explaining the importance of the lessons. I think the most important part is helping her feel comfortable in the water (the panicing is what makes things worse in an emergency) I used to teach swim lessons and I'd always start with the comfort level. You can't force a child to relax in the water. If the lessons aren't a good fit now, I would recommend just doing some low key time with her in a pool on your own (at a friends if you don't have a pool) and just stand near the steps with her, etc. until she feels more comfortable. You might try the face mask too since a lot of the fear is getting the face wet and learning to hold your breath.
Sorry for the long post. I hope this helped...hang in there Kendyll, you'll get it!!
I think I almost could have written this post! My child (almost 6)is and always has been so much more cautious (& fearful) than most of her friends. I completely understand what you mean about other people not understanding that and thinking they should just "snap out of it." (Isn't that frustrating?!?!)
Gracie isn't too sure of the water either and I struggle so much with how much to push her. I am not a water person hardly at all myself so it's hard for me to push her too much because I 100% understand her fear. I have alot of the same fear and always have! She is signed up for swimming lessons this summer. They were supposed to be this week but she was sick this weekend so we rescheduled for July. I'm hoping they go well!
Hope your daughter does well!
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