Above and Beyond: More than Simple Swim Lessons

0
Goldfish2Disclosure: This post is sponsored, however Dayton Moms Blog does not partner with businesses we do not feel bring value to our readers. Opinions expressed by this writer are 100% her own.

Raising a 4 year old child with a significant speech delay has many challenges. One of those are the frustrations and stress that accompanies extra-curricular activities. I have never wanted his speech challenges to stand in the way of opportunities to socialize with other children his own age. The harsh reality was while children are very open and flexible to those who are different, the adults running the programs were not often equipped to handle a child like mine. My guy needs directions repeated more than once and often requires firm boundaries and eye contact to participate. I could write at length on our various experiences but let’s just say I have left more than one session in tears.

When I heard about Goldfish Swim School I was apprehensive. We have signed up for other age appropriate activities with mediocre success. I was beginning to doubt our ability to participate at this point in our speech journey and seriously debated taking some time off. However, upon talking over my concerns with their staff, we decided to jump right in!

goldfishWe signed up our little man for twice a week lessons and have been so pleased with his progress. In 3 months our guy can not only paddle his way to the side of the pool but he can safely swim short distances under water. He has an understanding of safe swim practices like floating on your back and how to pull yourself out of the pool without a ladder. In addition to the swimming skills he also has been able to practice social skills like turn taking, listening, and following multi-step directions. I have witnessed just as much positive growth in this area as his improved swim skills which was a wonderfully unexpected bonus!

Overall, our experience at Goldfish has been a powerful and positive experience not only for my son, but for me. His instructors met him with a smile everyday and worked with him to determine the strategies he needed to accomplish the task. They celebrated his uniqueness and always made us feel welcome even when some sessions proved to be more challenging than others. They truly offer a top-notch program with incredibly kind and supportive staff. This is an experience where I expect to be reaping the benefits for years to come.
Thank you Goldfish Swim School!
Previous articleThe Claustrophobic Mother
Next articleCelebrate National Watermelon Day with Colorful Watermelon Salsa
alishasmith
I am a relatively new resident of Ohio but falling pretty hard for Dayton. My hubster and I have been married for 7 years and I often say that I not only married him but also the sport of swimming. My hubby is a head swim coach here in the community. Following his passion over the last 7 years has provided us with great experiences and the opportunity to work with some truly wonderful families. Oh, and a few moves along the way. Recently, with this move I have transitioned from a career in higher education as an Assistant Director of Residential Life where I flexed my Master’s in Student Affairs saving the world one roommate crises at a time to a SAHM! Living on campus with hundreds of college students is not for everyone but the unique experience of college freshmen cheering your son on as he learned to walk down the res hall floor is priceless. Now the fire alarms are a whole other story! Navigating my new job as a SAHM has not been easy but I am learning as I go. We welcomed our 2nd child last fall so I look forward to sharing the joys and tribulations of balancing a growing family, swim meets, and throwing in a little college advice here and there.