THE SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR THE NEW SWIMMING
PARENT
O. K. You just rushed home, grabbed your checkbook and child (if available)
and drove to a place where a half hour later, your checkbook has some major
debits and you just acquired a stack of incomprehensible forms, fundraiser's and
parents notes .Congratulations! You just joined a swim team. The following are
some observations from a former new swimming parent. With luck, some of these
musings might make some sense.
Parents Role
Competitive swimming programs provide many
benefits to young athletes. They develop self-discipline, good sportsmanship and
time management skills. Competition allows the swimmer to experience success and
to learn how to deal with defeat, while becoming healthy and physically fit. As
a parent, your major responsibility is to provide a stable, loving and
supportive environment. This positive environment will encourage your child to
continue. Show your interest by ensuring your child's attendance at practices,
and by coming to meets .Parents are not participants on their child's team, but
contribute to the success experienced by the child and his/her team. Parents
serve as role models and their attitudes are often emulated by their children.
Be aware of this and strive to be positive models. Most importantly, show good
sportsmanship at all times toward coaches, officials, opponents and teammates.
Be Enthusiastic and Supportive
Remember that your child is the swimmer.
Children need to establish their own goals, and make their own progress towards
them. Be careful not to impose your own standards and goals. Do not
over-burden your child with winning or achieving best times. The most important
part of your child's swimming experience is that he/she learns about
himself/herself while enjoying the sport. This healthy environment encourages
learning and fun which will develop a positive self-image within your child.
Let the Coach Coach
The best way to help a child
achieve his/her goals and reduce the natural fear of failure is through positive
reinforcement. No one likes to make a mistake. If your child does make one,
remember that he/she is still learning. Encourage his efforts and point out the
things he did well. As long as he gave his best effort, you should make him/her
feel like a winner.