Terrified Toddler

Today was a big day in our household. We were all so excited. Today was the first time all my offspring had a swimming lesson at the same time. If you’ve never had the joy of occupying two grumpy children while the other one had a swimming lesson, or trying to stop an enthusiastic baby from crawling into the pool to join their siblings, then you haven’t lived ;)
But today, my youngest was deemed old enough to start swimming without me in the pool with him. We’d talked it through. He was excited. I’d bought him those ubercute pull ups. He’d packed his goggles and towel in our beach bag. I’d even made myself a flask of coffee because for the first time in seven years of parenthood, I was going to sit by the pool and relax while all three of my kids had lessons.
Yes I’m stupid.
Guess what happened when we got to the pool?
Yes. Mr. Small refused to get in.
He shrieked and howled whenever I even suggested we move towards to edge of it. I was utterly bewildered. My older two love swimming. He’s had many, many lessons with me in the pool. Why was he suddenly pool phobic?
I was torn between forcing him to get in and also traumatizing him if I went with that approach. I’ve spent years watching in horrified sympathy as other parents forced their reluctant, shrieking children into the pool.
Until today I didn’t understand how stressful that was, not only for bub, but also the parents. So after 20 minutes of sitting in stressed state by the edge of the pool with Mr. Small clinging for dear life round my neck I spoke to the head swim coach and we came up with a plan.
Firstly, we spent some time dangling things in the water for him to play with. I encouraged him to splash his legs and get comfy in the water. And then the swimming teacher came over to the side of the pool and scooped him into her arms.
And I walked off.
I felt like the most horrible mother in the world.
I could hear him calling me but I didn’t turn back.
Within 30 seconds he was splashing away happily with the teacher. When I walked back he proudly called me over to see what he could do.
We go back for round two tomorrow.
I’m not sure I have the energy to do this again……