Today my youngest (8) swam in his first 50 freestyle race at his school carnival.

I have to say I am a very proud mama.

A year ago Aiden came home from school on his first day asking to race in the swimming carnival. I said “no mate, you can’t swim 50m”. I caught myself in that moment and thought “hang on a minute how do I know he can’t?” I had to let him try! And I needed to support him instead of limiting him.

Yes, this was a big lesson for me. One that I am truly grateful for.

We went to the pool every day to train. The day before the carnival we had to call it. Aiden could not make the 50m. He was a little disappointed but he knew he wasn’t ready. I was so proud of him for trying his hardest. He didn’t give up once.

So we set a goal that he’d be ready for this year.

And today he was. He swam his 50m race. When he got out of the pool he said “that was good mum”. It was so nice to see him happy with himself. He was so calm about it all. He knew he could do it.

He believed in himself.

He wasn’t fussed he didn’t win (he knew he wasn’t strong enough). He was just happy that he was able to participate, and that he succeeded in his goal.

Tonight we celebrated his achievement with ice-cream. This is one of many things I want to teach my boys – to celebrate their achievements and be proud of themselves.

Wow. I’m still in awe of this 8 year old setting a goal one year ago and today he achieved it. Yes. Today was a proud mama moment for sure.

Aiden has set a goal to swim in the 100m freestyle next year.

Looking forward to supporting him on this swimming carnival journey.

I’m feeling so grateful for saying “Yes”. This whole experience has been a wonderful parenting moment of learning, letting go and moving through my own fears and anxieties to support this little human in fulfilling his dreams.

Wishing you a beautiful day.

Jane

Photo by Kunj Parekh on Unsplash