Her Own Pace

At her Saturday morning swim class, Lola was promoted from being a Starfish (Level 1) to a Turtle (Level 2). I am writing about this not to brag about her possibility as an Olympic hopeful, but to provide evidence that when I say, Lola is a spirited (i.e. difficult) child, you don't just silently nod and think, uh-huh, I don't know what you are talking about, she's so cute when she's playing with her dolls. 

See, to progress from Level 1 to Level 2, the primary skill that must be demonstrated is the ability to voluntarily submerge your head under water.  The key word here is voluntary.  Meaning, for the last year and a half, when Lola attend her lesson and the instructor would sing, "Okaaaay. Time to do your bobs!" (swim talk for, Go under water!), Lola would stare down her instructor, and say, "No." 

Since this swim school is all about making kids comfortable and allowing them to move at their own pace, the instructor has accepted the No, and has then worked with her on other skills like back floats.

Then this week, at during her 78th lesson, for whatever reason, Lola said, yes, and voluntarily submerged herself under water. After her lesson she was allowed to ring the pool deck bell once (for passing Level 1) and she received a certificate.

I have no idea how long it will take her to progress to the next level, since it is clear that Lola does what Lola wants, but let's just say that I have adjusted my expectations and I am hoping that she learns to swim by the time she is 12.