With the grandchildren always in our lives and thoughts we constantly think about their well being. Certainly you can understand the need for emotional and nurturing environments. As a long time ago parent I also realize all of the things that can go wrong. I have Clio and Margie now toddling around so risks go up with their ground speed. At the pool both are drawn like magnets to the water and likely would walk into that attractive nuisance. Self defense is in order so Clio just started infant swim survival training. Children under the age of four, including babies, are the most at risk to accidental drowning. We are fortunate to have a company like Little Fish in the Treasure Valley and I see several other well regarded options in my search. This seems a bit controversial as the first few lessons are traumatic for the child and the parents who are sequestered away from the action. Clio is on her third lesson and is now waving and saying hi through her tears. Good news, we take her to the pool afterwards and she still loves the water while we work on her floating on her back skills. Just like we prepare our children for those first days of school by reading to them and singing the abc’s this seems like a must have for children who are around the water even with the most vigilant care and attention. Hank is now 4 and a half and is progressing well with his swim instructor at the Learning Tree – I still will worry about him at the lake or the pool but he knows how to float and swim for the side. Independence is a great gift with preparation, guidance and common sense.
I cannot as readily protect the kids from the creatures that live in our environment. This week we had a very large bobcat in our neighborhood. The dog was our warning bell, as the animal walked the golf course below our house looking for breakfast. The bobcat is a solitary animal and largely crepuscular – active mostly during twilight. They are territorial and move 2-7 miles per day through their area. They mostly feed on small animals like rabbits and voles but can stalk and kill larger prey if necessary. In Native American mythology, the bobcat is twinned with the figure of the coyote, representing the fog and the wind. The bobcat is admired for its stealth, strength and grace. I was glad I was not down on the course to decide whether to waive my arms, run or play dead.
Life is about adaptation, flexibility, learning, practice, a bit of good fortune and a sense of humor. Joyce Brothers believed “A strong positive self image is the best possible preparation for success.” Alexander Graham Bell also said, “before anything else preparation is the key to success.” Regardless of natural ability we are wise to safely expose our children to as many things as possible.
Hope you can find something to test a limit this week. Mike
Beware
