Education

  For your child to have a most rewarding experience in swimming, it is very important that you be the "best" swimming parent possible. Here are some reminders of what it take to be an outstanding swim - parent.

Be involved.  Don’t be a drop and run parent.  Visit practice occasionally to see what is going on, and observe just how hard swimmers must work to achieve their goals.  Be active within the the booster club at a level appropriate to the level of commitment expected from your child.  Showing your commitment to the program through your actions makes a real impact on your child, it shows that you really care through your actions.  Attend parents’ meetings as part of your commitment.  Not only are the meetings a great way to obtain information and gain knowledge through asking questions and listening, you get to meet other parents and make new friends.

Ask questions.  There are many sources of information on a swim team, first and foremost, of course, is your coach.  They are there to answer any and all questions regarding this sport and your swimmer.  Experienced parents can also be a good source of information regarding all the little things that go on around this sport.  Be sure to put the same questions to different parents, since each person’s views can be a little different.  These various viewpoints will contribute to a well rounded base of information.  Do not be intimidated by your ignorance especially if you are a new swimming parent.  Even the old dog can learn new tricks by inquiring.  The only way to gain knowledge and be the "best" is by asking questions. 

Let the coach do the coaching.  Resist at all costs the temptation to act as your child’s swimming coach.  If you are concerned that your swimmer’s technique is not up to par, or he or she needs more training, communicate your concerns to the coach.  Your coach is a professional with years of training in how to develop each individual’s potential in the pool.  Your good intentions may be at odds with what the coach is trying to accomplish.  This includes extra pushups, situps, weight training, running, etc. at home to build strength.  Your coach may agree with your thoughts, but to do their job effectively he or she needs to be fully informed of everything your swimmer does.

Competition should be fun.  Try to teach your swimmer to enjoy the thrill and comradery of swim meets, to be "out there trying hard win or lose".  Many rivals become friends through bonds forged in competition.  Praise good effort, improved skills and better times rather than winning or losing.  Do your best to not "re-live" your athletic life through your child since that creates pressure.  Every athlete has lost as well as won, been frightened, backed off at times, not lived up to heroic expectations.  Never pressure your swimmer because of your pride.

Be aware of the “Aging Up Trap.”  Unfortunately, this is an easy one to fall into because swimming competitions, especially early on are generally age group based.  Many parents and swimmers put far too much emphasis on making the most of their last months or year in a particular age group.  This puts undue stress on the swimmer to “maximize” their performance before they change age groups.  This also often leads to a letdown when the swimmer finally does change age groups.  Celebrate successes like “A” times and achievements at certain meets, but try to avoid overdoing it.  It is vital to emphasize that swimming is a lifetime sport, and ultimately age is not a factor in competition at the upper levels of the sport.

Provide firm, positive support.  Each swimmer has a commitment to swimming whether it is to attend practice two, three, five, six, or nine times per week.  Be FIRM with your child in expecting them to fulfill their commitment to attend practices.  Every swimmer has days when they don’t feel like getting in the water.  However just as in life, we must fulfill our commitments on both sunny and rainy days.  Always be POSITIVE in your support no matter at what level they participate.  Be upbeat in your conversations and stress the enjoyment this sport can provide.  Swimming is a family sport, even if only one member participates competitively.  Make your child’s swimming part of the fun activities your family enjoys.