For Swim Parents

7 Simple Rules for Swim Parents:

  1. You do not coach your own kids!– Unless you really know what you are doing and can do it with-out messing them up with your personal biases. Even then, it’s questionable because of authority dynamics.
  2. You do not coach your own kids!– Because they need you for support after they have done something really hard. Giving them “advice” afterwards is just frustrating for them.
  3. Offer, Don’t Force!– If they say “STOP”, you stop. It’s over for the day, tomorrow will be there! It’s a marathon, not a sprint and no-one gets good at something they hate doing, day-after-day.
  4. No-One Swims While Hurt!– In any way! Problems need to be fixed, not compounded. Especially medical ones.
  5. Proper Gear, Every Day!– You will have to provide it. It’s very minimal and keeps them safe and able to practice well. So yes, goggles on, swim suit (no shorts) and no t-shirts ( rash guards are OK for small kids). Fins, paddles, snorkels, kick boards and all this other stuff should be in their bags too. Plus a full water bottle.
  6. Show Up!– For best results at competitive swimming, kids should always come for practices… and always for the competitions… all are ways to experience this sport and are important. Provided they are up to it on any given day- and that’s the important part! Practices are how you improve day-to-day, racing is challenging and fun and they need to practice it from young age to feel comfortable with it!… Buuuutttt… Encourage them to be there and honor their commitments, but do not force them to something they hate or fear!
  7. Be Patient!– Kids are different and the results will be different, proper swimming will take as long as it will… and not everyone learns everything at the same speed. With constant practice, some kids will be champions, some will just be able to swim well. It’s all OK! Mastery of the craft is the goal, whether it’s for tomorrow or for 50 years down the lane and they will learn a lot from it, no matter what! Although, we have to say, everyone loves to win… too!

On the brighter note, here are some tips to help your kids be as successful and healthy as possible while engaging with this challenging, yet rewarding, sport: