Half done with Swimming Lessons

Well, the kids have completed half of their swimming lessons and they've all improved.  Belle can swim on her own a bit now.  Hercules and Aurora both love "swimming" with their instructors help.  And Rapunzel.  Oh my Rapunzel.  I'm so proud of her.  She went from barely even putting her feet in the water on the first day, to doing everything her teacher asks now.  She LOVES going to swimming lessons.  She is confident when she's on her tummy in the water, and the teacher helps her with kicking, breathing, and strokes.  She gets a little apprehensive when she's on her back and they're working on floating.  But she's hanging in there and doing great!

I have to share something that another parent said to me about Rapunzel during a lesson.  Her son is in the same group as Rapunzel, and we were watching all the kids take turns floating on their backs (like Rapunzel is doing in the picture above).  Of course most of the kids relax and are trying to learn to float.  Rapunzel has a bit more apprehension about being on her back in the water, and was tensing up and making a grimace.  The (well-meaning I'm sure) mom made a "eek" face and said to me, "I'm sorry, but I'm a teacher, and all I can think about is what a hard time her teacher must have dealing with her during the STAR test."  I informed her that I actually homeschool her, to which she replied, "Oh, well good thing, because she wouldn't handle real school well at all."

Ok, two things here.  1)  Homeschool is real school. and 2)What on earth???  Why would anyone EVER think that is an ok thing to say to another parent?  Now, I know Rapunzel can have some pretty severe anxiety.  And my husband and I have both said that we don't know how she'd handle being in public (or private) school because of it.  But seriously?  I would NEVER say anything like that to another parent.  And I am just glad that Rapunzel was not within earshot to hear that.

I am so so so proud of my girl.  She overcomes fears and obstacles every day.