I don't know if any of you moms have experienced this type of behavior but please let me know if you have or do, and what you did. So my little 6-year-old's been learning to swim for almost 2 years now  at the local high school pool. I know he's having lots of fun and learning to feel comfortable in the pool. The thing is.. well, he doesn't always listen (like every child I know) and I don't think he knows when it's time to calm down and crank up 'his listening ears' to full capacity!

I started to wonder whether it was my being complacent or too strict.. I'm really not sure.. but I think of all the many situations that our young ones are told to listen, sit, be quiet, follow directions and every the other instructions they're given since they'r born.. and so I wonder.. do kids really have ADHD or just wanna have fun?

The irony is that my son does quite well for his age and emerging skill level.. He's no Michael Phelps, but I'm thankful he's comfortable in the water and looks forward to his class.  I don't want to get an overload of instructions in the way of his enjoyment.. so I guess I'll have to keep on coming up with effective recipes for good behavior that include doses of effective listening skills with heaps of enjoyment and fun, for good measure.

What have any of you moms done to foster good listening skills when the teacher's not you and you're not running the show? Ideas and suggestions welcome.