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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to be considering stopping toddler swimming because the teacher doesn't speak 'properly'?

106 replies

TreeTrunkThighs · 27/01/2009 12:19

She doesn't say the 'h' at the beginning of words that begin with 'h'.

Today we sang:

Umpty Dumpty
Ickory dickory dock
Eads, shoulders, knees and toes

The little girl next to us was called Hannah. She was called Annah all lesson.

Or should I just grit my teeth and stop being such an Orrible Snob?

OP posts:
FriarKewcumber · 27/01/2009 14:13

where are we going?

georgimama · 27/01/2009 14:15

Where would you like to go?

I thought I was in for a flaming as I don't like the idea of toddler classes either.

Tiramissu · 27/01/2009 14:15

Actually i agree with Gateau.

I find it really hillarious when parents believe that their babies learn extra-ordinary things in these classes. Paying £5 to 'teach' baby to clap hands or toddler to climb stairs? They ll all do these things anyway. For free.
Now, if someone says 'i go for the fun and to meet other mums' thats fine.

Nothing to say to the OP, i cant bother.

FriarKewcumber · 27/01/2009 14:21

nope I have no issue with anyone not liking bby classes - I don't/didn't take DS to any except swimming for the reasons stated below.

Was wondering why the need to be so sneery about it - not everyone who takes their child to classes under three are convinced that their little darling has learnt to clap or climb stiar as a result.

DS was definitely more water confident after his course and I only signed him up for it after months of trying to do it on my own.

Gateau · 27/01/2009 14:22

But Tiramissu, didn't you know you could pay to "teach" baby how to wave goodbye?? .

"really it's a glorified coffee morning to compare one's Boden purchases". Couldn;t agree more georgimama. I know people who fit that category to a tee.

FriarKewcumber · 27/01/2009 14:22

Boden gets a bit wet in the pool...

georgimama · 27/01/2009 14:23

Whatever floats your boat really. I do have friends who are equally skeptical about the actual benefits but go because the child enjoys them and because they get to meet people, which is great. I also have friends who make exaggerated claims about their offsrping's musical/gymnastic abilities. Such claims make me snigger and perhaps even, in secret, sneer.

specialmagiclady · 27/01/2009 14:23

The thought of spending 1 single day without something structured for my kids (and I_ to do would drive me insane!

TOddler swimming lessons ACE, my 22 month old is v. confident in water, my 3 yo can swim without armbands (not far, but far enough to get to the edge of the canal when he's fallen in...)

I don't go to classes because I don't need to - there's loads of free or very cheap stuff on for kids here.

Actually, I did take the kids to gym classes - my LO learnt to jump there, my BO (big one) learnt about taking turns. I learnt it wasn't really worth 5 pounds for 45 minutes plus 30 minute walk each way (toddler pace). Perhaps if it had been at the end of the road I might have continued going.
Also, I would definitely take tiny babies just so I can have the chat with other mummies.

Tiramissu · 27/01/2009 14:25

Gateau at waving goodbye

Gateau · 27/01/2009 14:26

Sadly it's laughable, but true.

becstarlitsea · 27/01/2009 14:34

I never went to any of those tumbletots or whatever, I knew I wouldn't have much in common with the other mums and that there was a risk I might have to speak to them. Swimming classes are a bit different though, aren't they? No mixing with the other Mums, no Boden, (do Boden do swim nappies??), and it's not a skill that kids will just pick up while hanging around the house.

FairLadyRantALot · 27/01/2009 14:48

YABU OP and I think you know it!

DaphneMoon · 27/01/2009 14:50

What's her bleeding name Eliza Dolittle, FGS! Bleeding ell..........

FriarKewcumber · 27/01/2009 14:53

are people who buy Boden unclean then? Do we not speak with their like? How will I spot one?

nappyaddict · 27/01/2009 15:08

I take DS to baby swimming and yes I do think it is worth it. He has been able to swim a few strokes (probably just over a metre) since about 18 months. He has also learnt how to jump in, kick from the side etc. Our local pool doesn't allow jumping in and it is a beach style pool so no sides to hold onto. I could have tried to teach him myself but I wouldn't have known where to start tbh.

He also goes to Tumble Tots. He was quite a late walker (21 months) and has very bad coordination. Since he has started Tumble Tots he has come on leaps and bounds and can climb quite high and balance really well now. Some people might have really good playgrounds near them where their child could practice these sorts of things but ours only have the very basic things.

None of these classes are necessary but there is no denying that they can help your child improve at certain things.

georgimama · 27/01/2009 15:16

I'm happy to compare Boden purchases with anyone. I just don't need to pay five quid for a thirty minute toddler session as an excuse to do it.

georgimama · 27/01/2009 15:17

You can spot them by their Boden attire. Is often "fun spot" or "funky" and easily identified.

GrimbleTheResourceful · 27/01/2009 15:19

By BitOfFun
"YANBU- at least your darling will be able to correctly enunciate "Help!" as they flounder in the canal...far more important"

Classic!

FriarKewcumber · 27/01/2009 15:21

no-one has ever offered to compare Boden purchases with me I think it must be sadly obvious that I cannot afford nor fit into Boden clothes.

Tiramissu · 27/01/2009 15:27

Swimming lessons: ok

Music classes: Just put a cd on and dance (babies learn by example)

Jumping and Climbing classes: Again as above. Climbe on the sofa. Ok on a serious note, put some sticky tape on the floor -straight lines, squares etc- then play games with your toddler ie hopping on the squares, balancing on the straight lines etc. Or use a rope to jump over it or pass through under it. Save the £35 to treat yourself

Gateau · 27/01/2009 15:35

Sounds about right, tiramisu.
All common sense really, I think. You just have fun with a little one, don't you? Why people need classes to show them the bleedin' obvious, I just can't fathom.
I think some people go to classes because they don't want JUST the one-to-one contact, or don't like it. I love it and I feel that always meeting up with other people detracts my attention from DS. So I don't do it all the time; often it's just the two of us. There's enough time for structured "classes" when LOs are at school for about 13 years. LEt them have fun!!

FriarKewcumber · 27/01/2009 15:38

"Jumping and Climbing classes: Again as above. Climbe on the sofa. Ok on a serious note, put some sticky tape on the floor -straight lines, squares etc- then play games with your toddler ie hopping on the squares, balancing on the straight lines etc. Or use a rope to jump over it or pass through under it. Save the £35 to treat yourself "

How about if you have limited mobility yourself?
How about if your child enjoys them and you have the money to spare?
How about if you have a slightly uncertain child who responds better to "organised" things?

FriarKewcumber · 27/01/2009 15:39

why is a 40 minute class avoiding one to one contact with your child, presumably mostly SAHM's go to classes? Surely they have one to one contact the other 23 hours?

I'm eally not trying to be argumentative - I don;t go myself because I work but I can see why people would go.

Tiramissu · 27/01/2009 15:40

oh i agree Gateau.

Tbh i dont mind if others want to go to classes, their choice. But when they keep saying it to you in a very proud way (proud that a clever businesswoman took their fiver for 40min crap and dust and they get so socked when you say that you dont do classes. As if you deprive your child because you know how to enjoy him/her and play with him/her

FriarKewcumber · 27/01/2009 15:41

I suppose because I haven;t come across people like that I don;t have that prejudice. The mothers at DS's tumbletots class seem quite nice and fairly normal on the odd occasion I have taken him.