Pride (In the Name of Love)

One area of parenting I feel confident about is not over-scheduling my kids in activities. I have always said that they could pick and choose what they wanted to dabble in or try out, and I have stuck to that philosophy by not forcing sports or dance classes when they tell me they'd rather not do it. I figure those interests will form sooner or later, so I'm buying myself some time. In an effort to not exhaust them I have also managed to keep my own stress level and chauffeur duties to a minimum.

There is one activity, however, that there was no negotiating about. My kids WOULD learn to swim for safety purposes. If they happened to enjoy it, well, that would be an added benefit. Lucky for all of us, they absolutely love it.
Love-To-Swim School is the most fantastic addition to San Antonio. Their philosophy and their positive coaching have enabled Priya and Deven (Trevor will start when he turns 3) to make great progress. The coaches can't be beat.

Priya, in particular, has made great strides in just the last month or so.

My parents came to watch swim lessons today, and my dad commented how Deven never stopped smiling once he entered the pool area. Deven's enjoyment was so incredibly evident...which made me feel good for "forcing" this after-school activity on my kids.

Today Priya passed the current level she was in (Preschool 4) and started work on the Grade School 1 level...how appropriate with her recent entry into grade school! When a swimmer meets a goal, they are encouraged to ring a bell while the coach makes an announcement to everyone about their achievement. Priya rang it hesitantly at first, but afterwards (in private) she admitted that it was "fun to ring the bell." And, my sweet girl, it was so much fun to watch you ring it.

Even though she doesn't enjoy having all eyes on her...I could tell it meant something to Priya to be singled out for her accomplishment--and I know there will be many more to come. My pride in my children sometimes overwhelms me, but it's a feeling I wouldn't trade for the world.