I think we did a great job with Ian in teaching him to swim. We really started to "push" him when he was 2. When I say push, I mean we would dunk him in the water a few times and throw him up in the air to play with him. I think we would normally never exceed putting his entire head in the water more than 3 times.
Today, at 3 and half, he can swim better than I can (and I'm not kidding). I may be stronger and can swim longer (ie Keep my head up by doggy paddling about), but he can put his face in the water, and kick that way a good 10 feet. I think it's amazing to watch. I kept thinking as I watched him in lessons today, is the teacher pushing him? How is he going so fast!? He really looks like his Mom who just glides through the water. I tend to thrash wildly.
He also rolls to his back to breathe, keeping his ears submerged. He's doing so well that we opted to get him in another lesson a week (he now goes two times).
Lexi is also progressing. She got in the pool today by herself and proceeded to scare the crap out of her parents by swimming off into the pool. Since we had our clothes on we were really hoping she didn't sink so we'd have to jump in :)
After Ian's lesson we stuck around. Another kid 1 year old got in the pool and immediately started to scream. The Dad was there watching. At first it was cute. After awhile though it started to wear on Jackie, but I thought he was doing pretty good. Holding his breath, rolling to his back, etc. I noticed after a few minutes though that the Dad's smile was gone. As we were leaving Jackie went to talk with the Dad for a moment and we turned to leave. As we did the 1 year old puked water and breakfast out into the pool, and then continued to scream some more.
Me thinks they pushed him a little too hard...
I think that I will always push my kids, but more to the extent of having fun, not training to be a Navy SEAL.