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It's summer as we know and my kids have two invites coming up. The first being a pool party and the second one the mom has planned a playdate at the beach. My kids can't swim, and of course at both of these events I will not be there. I try not to worry too much but all it takes is the mother at the pool party to turn her head or the other mother not paying attention and they drown. I find it hard putting the lives of my children in other people's hand, I know I may be overly dramatic but it makes me so uneasy. I didn't plan on staying at either of these events because the pool party is a birthday party where you drop your kids off at their house and the second is just a playdate where this other mother is going to take the children off. Of course my husband rolls his eyes at me, but stuff happens. You always think it won't happen to you, don't live your life in fear, etc.
I might be ok with the pool party if the hosts have a designated person watching at all times, but the beach? No.
And swim lessons are very important, I suggest you look into them.
Not every kid has to go to every birthday party they get an invite for. If you're that worried, say they can't go.
Another option is to get life jackets and make sure the kids know to leave them on and make sure the adults know that they must leave them on at all times.
And even though people are dropping their kids off, it doesn't mean you have to leave. Ask if she minds you hanging out and helping in any way they can. Many parents can't handle watching so many kids at once, and they don't want to ask for help. She might appreciate it.
I find it hard putting the lives of my children in other people's hand, I know I may be overly dramatic but it makes me so uneasy.
Have you thought about getting them life vests? That would allow them to splash around and play with their friends. As a kid I was not a strong swimmer (I was small and sunk like a rock), so I LIKED having that security.
My older child also cannot swim (yet, she's in lessons) and gets invited to pool parties. I (or dad) goes with to watch her. We bring the life vest if she wants to do anything that needs a life vest (like jump off the diving board). If one of us could not go to the party to supervise, then our child would not go. It's not fair to ask the party hosting mom to try and play lifeguard for your non-swimmer, that's unreasonable in my book. You need to go and take responsibility for your child's safety yourself.
For the playdate at the beach, have you asked the other mom if they are okay with watching your child like a hawk because they can't swim? If they were not aware that was involved, then you should go along with the playdate. And of course, bring that life vest.
I can't figure out why you weren't planning on attending these events? Is it some sort of taboo where you live to practice water safety? Where I live, all the parents are at all the pool parties. Even the ones who have kids on swim team.
It IS a serious concern, especially the pool party. IF we did go to those, I ALWAYS stayed. It's my job to watch my kids in that situation, and I would never have counted on a distracted host to look out for them.
The beach party, I probably would not let them attend if they could not swim.
But job #1 should be swim lessons.
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