If Only it Really Were That Simple

Allison has been in swimming class since early September, so about 4 months now. Since about the 4th week or so, her instructor has been trying to get her to float on her back. Almost every time he tries to have her float, she turns over and will not do it and she refuses to let go of the instructors fingers. I can understand why she turns over and holds on, it feels like you are going to sink when you're on your back and not holding on to anything. The instructor is just trying to get her to try but she hasn't progressed in 3 months and we're all getting frustrated. Yesterday, the instructor told her she could not have playtime (last 5 min of class when they get to put on a safety ring and swim around) if she didn't try. Well, since she kept turning over, the instructor called me in there right before play time and we both had to tell her why she couldn't participate. For some reason, it just broke my heart to have to explain it to her especially since she was in the process of putting on the safety ring. She was ready for playtime even though the instructor kept telling her no playtime if you don't try. Don't get me wrong, I agree with the instructor but it was just so hard to have to tell my three year old she can not participate in playtime because she didn't try . She didn't cry but I could tell she was upset which of course made me upset. I managed to hold back the tears, as did she. We try again tomorrow. I told Jeff he has to come tomorrow because he can go in and encourage her (since I have Daniel, I'm not able to go and encourage her). I'm still saddened by the whole thing (i know, if this affects me this much, how will I handle the next 18 years???). Allison on the other hand got over it about 5 minutes later. Go figure.