Competitive or Scared?

We just finished up a two week round of swimming lessons for Luke. Let me tell you that is was NOT fun. Luke began the lessons being totally brave...he went underwater the first class and did everything his teacher told him. I thought we finally crossed over to learning how to swim rather than just getting used to the water. Anyway, we got a little derailed with him getting sick, but then he just plain old wouldn't participate. Needless to say, I was really, extremely frustrated. I did keep taking him and plopping him in the water and insisting that he stay with his class even if he didn't do all of the activities. Well, Thursday he was first in line in the class and he did every single stroke and activity! He said, "Mom, I did good because I was first today!" Every other day he was last in line. After each class he would talk about all the kids being able to, "do it by themselves," especially his best buddy Nick. (just a side note...Luke and Nick compete about nearly everything...even whose brain is bigger and therefore is smarter.) He would say, "I can't do it!" Well, being first set the competition differently. I think in his mind now they had to follow him. What is it about boys? I didn't completely understand or believe this was the sole reason for the change in attitude, but I was going with it. I told him to make sure he was first in line so he can do it by himself. Friday started much like the old lessons...no action and he wasn't first in line... UH-Oh! (record screech to a halt) I refused to end these lessons on this note! I walked over to the pool and nonchalantly whispered to Luke, "Hey, why aren't you first in line...maybe you should move over on the other side of Claire for the rest of the lesson so you can do your best." (can you believe that mom move? I am a little embarrassed about it.) Well? IT WORKED! He had a great class and we are finally through the lessons! WHEW! Now lets see how he does in private lessons in Miami... I wonder when this competitive stage will pass? My husband says it really doesn't, but the boys learn to keep their desires to win more private and subtle. All I know is that I am not programmed that way. I am probably one of the least competitive women...can't we all just get along I say? This is just another reason I had a boy first...I needed to learn about this world of boys. I learned a lot about my son during this experience and I am sure there will be many more of these AH-HA moments.