We've chased the sun to Tenerife for half-term. Our hotel, Las Dalias on the Costa Adeje, (direct-holidays.co.uk) has a heated pool. That was the main reason for coming. Twins Savanna and River, nearly two, are learning to swim. I intended to give them a daily intensive course.

It was a great plan; as often, the kids soon scuppered it. River has never been keen on the water. But since last summer, Savanna has been confidently launching out on her own with armbands.

But when we put her in the pool, she started to scream. I don't mean just a one-off shout, but a full-throttle toddler tantrum.

In these circumstances, the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) advise to give in. Don't force the issue, they say. Let your child dictate the pace.

We persisted. The boyfriend held her to him as she screamed. Of course, there were complaints. A woman two sunloungers along, not realising Savanna was my child, said she was going to report our treatment of a toddler to the hotel management.

But our shock tactics worked. After keeping up the tantrum for a good 10 minutes, Savanna stopped. She began bouncing her inflatable ball; she began to enjoy herself.

So did we do the right thing? Not according to the ASA. Not according to fellow guests. But according to Savanna? Well, we'll see what happens when we take her to the pool tomorrow.

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