All About Your Child

Its the third swimming lesson already and Binbin could swim far with just one breath, while Keatkeat could swim only half the distance of what his younger brother could.

Well, we are not surprise because of Keatkeat’s personality – a giver-up-er.

Keatkeat is constantly struggling between wanting to outperform his younger brother and obeying his natural instinct, i.e. ‘This is out of my comfort zone, I might as well just give up’.

CoachV said that Binbin is much better than his older brother overall, even though Keatkeat could hold his breath longer.

The boys love CoachV. We love the progress we see in our kids in just 3 swimming lessons. Having only 4 kids in the class for a 45mins lesson, with one of them still reluctant to participate (see ‘Children Swimming Lesson‘ post), you can imagine the attention CoachV gives to the other 3 kids, which includes my children.

It really felt like they had joined a private swimming class. For just $20 for 4 lessons, this is something that came unexpected. Then again, it was an offered price for the first 4 lessons afterall. So now we are left with a rather difficult choice. Should we continue with CoachV and pay a lot more or should we look for another swimming instructor?

I understand that CoachV needs the income and therefore it is only right that every swimming lesson plan by him has to be worthwhile. He told us that if the 4 students agree to continue, then, it would be $70 for each pupil for every 4 lessons.

In our hearts, we doubt that the parents of the ‘reluctant kid’ would want to continue, so we asked, “What if only 3 wish to continue?”

“Then it would be $90 per student.” He replied nicely. Looking at our slightly-shocked expression, he continued, “One  parent (the more-willing-boy’s parent) has already indicated that her child would be continuing.”

$90! For 4 lessons. Per child. And I have two children. That would make $180 for the next 4 lessons. Hhhhmmm…..

So we were doing the Pros and Cons chart again:

Pros:

1. The greater amount of attention given to my boys can help the boys to progress much faster.
2. Therefore they might be able to master swimming much earlier.
3. Our aim is just for them to know how to swim, not for them to become an Olympic swimmer, so the moment they have learned how to swim and breath at the same time, then we will stop the lesson. With CoachV, we can stop anytime.
4. If my children can achieve that by the next 4 lessons, then we would actually be paying only $55 per 4 lessons. ($20 + $90 = $110 / 2 sets of 4 lessons = $55 )

Cons:

1. Other group swimming lessons are going at $50 and $60 for every 4 lessons. We would be spending so much more by paying $90!
2. With two kids, that would be $180!
3. If my boys cannot achieve the goal, then the 3rd set of 4 lessons would really be paying way above market price.

Well, from the above list, its clear that the Pros list won.

I rest my case.

We were so lucky to be able to grab a wonderful offer last month. $20 for 4 beginners swimming lessons. The moment I saw it, I grabbed two immediately! Actually, this lesson was more for Keatkeat than Binbin.

Binbin is such an amazing kid. To me, Binbin is a very talented child. Fast learner, great observer and excellent creator.

Under the unprofessional teaching of their dad, Binbin already knew how to swim a distance by holding his breath in a short time. But Keatkeat still struggles to keep afloat on the water after so long.

Well, it would definitely be unfair to Binbin if I enrolled his elder brother of 2 years, for this fabulous swimming lesson by the professional, and not include him. So these 4 lessons would be ‘fine-tuning’ lessons for Binbin and truly basic lessons for Keatkeat.

So how was first lesson?

My sis and I were doing live commentary while watching them. It was funny! There were only 4 kids in this group.
One was EXTREMELY unwilling, lots of whining and crying. From the photo above you can tell who was it. (sitting)
The other was very active but was a little afraid to hold his breath and put his head into the water. (back-facing us)
And not forgetting my boys, who were the so-called ‘advanced’ students in the class. (Extreme Left-Keatkeat. Hand on Face-Binbin.)

Here’s what they did in order:

1. Sat on the edge of pool and kicked water.
2. Held their breath and put their face into the water for a number of seconds.
3. Straightened and lifted two arms in the air, with palms on top of each other, jumped a little and ‘dived’ into the water while standing inside the pool.
4. Learn to use the surfboard, holding it the correct way.
5. Swim with the surfboard.
6. Played ‘go under water for the rocket’ game.

The kids kept saying “This is sooooooooooooo fun!” at the end of the short 45mins lesson. “I like the instructor.” “I want to come again.”

Oh you sure will, at least you must, for another 3 more lessons! I paid for it alright. *laugh*

Our aim is merely to see how far they progress at the end of the fourth lesson before we decide if we should let them continue and pay the full price.

Not forgetting to end my post by thanking my lobang queen sis for introducing this great offer.

Kids said:
“Thank You Ah Yee!”