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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think that my child is rubbish?

176 replies

nevergooglebrandybutter · 04/02/2015 13:17

My children are brilliant at lots of things, but having sat through another painful swimming lesson yesterday where they seem to be swimming WORSE after hundreds of pounds worth of lessons, I fear I have to finally concede that MY CHILDREN ARE SHIT AT SWIMMING.

There I said it. Can we just take a moment to think about this? Why is it so hard to just admit that our kids are crap at stuff.

No stealth boasts allowed (ie, my child is shit at being shit) but you can balance it out with something they are good at to help ease your conscience.

So,
DS1 is shit at swimming, but brilliant at cycling of all disciplines.
DS2 is shit at swimming, but brilliant on the violin and ukulele.
DS3 is shit at feeding himself, but has a very charming toothy grin.

Your turn.

OP posts:
ToffeeCaramel · 04/02/2015 13:19

My dd is shit at netball (takes after me) but is kind

EdYouKateShaun · 04/02/2015 13:20

DD has absolutely no gymnastics talent whatsoever! She is about as concerned as I am.
Swimming is a life skill though so I'd persevere.

Guitargirl · 04/02/2015 13:20

How many different cycling disciplines are there just out of interest? Confused

JuniperTisane · 04/02/2015 13:20

DS1 is a fumbling mess at Rugbytots where his attempts to throw the ball to the instructor end up with the ball behind him Confused. We stopped the classes in the end. Swimming, he's fantastic though. Also running very very fast.

DS2 is shit at cutlery and sitting still for dinner but is very good at climbing and is a little gymnast at heart.

sebsmummy1 · 04/02/2015 13:21

My son is shit at talking. 27 months and the only thing he says is 'yeah'.

Original poster
nevergooglebrandybutter · 04/02/2015 13:21

er, bmx, road, mountain, and track Blush he's very good.

but like i say, he could drown before reaching any heady heights of a cycling career.

OP posts:
Bettybodybooboo · 04/02/2015 13:23

He's probably bored rigid as swimming lessons are boring.

Get your Cossies on together and have family splash fun.

As long as he can float, not panic and kick his legs to get to the side then that's enough.

Bettybodybooboo · 04/02/2015 13:25

sebs couid be worse couid be no. Smile

BirdintheWings · 04/02/2015 13:25

Mine are shit at clearing up but fab at making me laugh.

HighwayDragon · 04/02/2015 13:26

Swimming here too, she can't won't learn, can't have water on her face, screams if the tiniest splash in her eye.

Andcake · 04/02/2015 13:26

Does being an excellent swimmer matter as long as they can swim and save themselves in the event of needing to (god forbid).
I'm crap at lots of things and ok/goodish at tohers its part of being human. DS is too little to work out what he really likes or doesn't

HoneyIsBeePoo · 04/02/2015 13:27

DD is shit at running, etc. Came a very painful last at Sports Day even with a teachers help. However she is very arty and patient.

DS is shit at taking any instructions. He is excellent at doing just the opposite of what I ask though. Hmm

UniS · 04/02/2015 13:28

He's never gonna make a triathlete, nor will DS. Tri coach asked me not to bring him to swim sessions again as he doesn't swim well enough.
Unis waves at nevergoogle, has your number one son got his velodrome accreditation now ?

NancyRaygun · 04/02/2015 13:28

DD1 - shit at swimming still paying the monthly swimming lesson subscription even though the tears and heartache means she doesn't go week on week
DD 2 - amazing at swimming.

I am hoping to train DD2 to rescue DD1 in an emergency situation! Grin

DD1 is absolutely wonderful at drawing.

Original poster
nevergooglebrandybutter · 04/02/2015 13:28

DS2 would drown instantly if he couldn't put his feet down. It's not that I have very high expectations. DS1 swims in an upright position, very good for treading water but not for going anywhere.

OP posts:
farewellfigure · 04/02/2015 13:29

DS (6) is shit at cycling, writing and concentrating. However he's amazing at reading, being interested in absolutely everything and wanting to learn about it, and being kind and funny.

Also, he was shit on Friday at using a knife (as in eating with a knife and fork) then on Saturday and Sunday he was suddenly brilliant at it. It happened overnight. Did the 'how to use your knife' fairy visit him in his sleep? How does this happen? This one small victory is meaning I am now holding out hope for a visit from the cycling, writing and concentrating fairies.

Tangoandcreditcards · 04/02/2015 13:30

juniper at rugby isn't the ball supposed to end up behind you?
Maybe he's more brilliant than you thought?

Tykeisagirl · 04/02/2015 13:30

My DD 7 can't ride a bike, tie shoelaces, run in a straight line and she dances like...well let's just say it's a good job we didn't call her Grace. She has no idea about what clothes to wear ever, tried to go out in two T shirts and a pair of tights when I told her to find some clothes for a trip to town the other day, and I almost have to glue things to her to stop her from losing them.

But she's sweet and funny and really good, she's never rude or whiny or demanding, barely interested in screens and would rather read or draw than play video games.

Original poster
nevergooglebrandybutter · 04/02/2015 13:30
Grin

yes i think so, as he's able to attend training. Your lad is going to love it, well worth the wait.

OP posts:
Mabelface · 04/02/2015 13:31

My DD 15 is shit at maths. She just got a U on her mock paper. She's excellent at English and psychology though, and very articulate.

TheJiminyConjecture · 04/02/2015 13:31

DD is shit at singing - she's got a voice like a fog horn, no idea though so belts out songs like she's an x factor finalist.

She's got such a sweet way about her, just so kind that you can forgive the ear ache.

MrsDeVere · 04/02/2015 13:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Alibabsandthe40Musketeers · 04/02/2015 13:34

My eldest is shit at swimming, but brilliant at drawing and designing things, and is the most loving soul imaginable.

My youngest is shit at sitting still, and shit at sleeping, but has fantastic co-ordination and is incredibly thoughtful.

Frusso · 04/02/2015 13:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ashtrayheart · 04/02/2015 13:36

Hmm I won't mention dd1 and ds as they have disabilities but dd2 (5) is shit at being modest and sharing nicely and dd3 (4) is shit at listening and swimming Grin