How do you know the difference if you are “Steering” your child to swim vs “Forcing” them to Swim? Daughter has been swimming since 3 and is now 9 (almost 10). She’s had some great moments like winning a Summer League All Star butterfly race when she was 8. But after that, we gave her the choice to do winter league and she didn’t want to (previously she said she had). She still had pretty good summer (before getting sick) and was still on B team for the relays, but it wasn’t the same at age 8. At the end of this summer, she admitted that she should have done some of the swim clinics before the start of the season.
But, now she goes back and forth. One time we will be swimming at the pool, and she asks if I think she’ll be in Lane 3 (fast lane). Then recently she said that she didn’t want to be competitive and only “liked” swimming.
In Jan – Feb 2018, I do have her signed up for some swim clinics. So 1x a week for 6 weeks. But, should we do more swimming after? A part of me thinks she needs some private lessons as her technique has eroded due to not being in classes/team. But, should I do that if it doesn’t matter to her?!? I mean she can swim.
I've seen her flip-flop about wanting to swim and not quite sure if she gets the effort. For example, she set a new PB in Fly this summer and was disappointed she didn’t get a ribbon – she was against 10 year olds that were fast. Well, geez, should have done the stroke clinics before the season like I said. I don’t think she’s fully grasped that the “separation is in the preparation” (to quote Russell Wilson).
I’m trying not to be a crazy parent. I want her to get the health benefit from swimming. She loves ballet and performing – I see her on the stage. But, she is going to need the exercise from swimming to keep in shape.
I feel like it was easier when she was younger and we would just take her to class 1x a week to learn to swim.
Any Advice? I’ve thought about asking her if she has goals for next summer. At times, I think we just sign her up for some lessons/stroke clinic (from March – May) where she should just swim 1 – 2 times per week (would that be “forcing”). Or do I wait and see how she responds to the Stroke Clinics, that I signed her up for in Jan- Feb?
Thoughts?
DanceDaddy
#tryingnottobecrazy
Have you asked her if there are other sports she might like to try? My niece went through several sports, including swimming, before finding one that she really enjoys. You shouldn't have to force fun on a kid, IMHO.
Totally agree. My youngest had decided that she liked the practices, but hated the all day meets. She had started with the Y programs from age 7 and moved up to USA swimming by 10. ...This was a hard one for the coach, because she was very gifted, but he insisted that they all must go to the meets. Driving two hours (each way) to sit around all day for a 50 yard event, and then wait another hour and a half for the next one, just sucked all the fun out of this. She eventually joined the high school team which was much more fun and more rewarding.
A long story short, swimming is either something your child will either completely love, or eventually shy away from. When they dread the early practices or the two hour sessions after school, you know that it just might not be their thing. The kids who are born to do this masochistic sport simply live for it. ...that's how I felt about it anyway. :) and still do, 40 plus years later.
Have you asked her if there are other sports she might like to try? My niece went through several sports, including swimming, before finding one that she really enjoys. You shouldn't have to force fun on a kid, IMHO.
Totally agree. My youngest had decided that she liked the practices, but hated the all day meets. She had started with the Y programs from age 7 and moved up to USA swimming by 10. ...This was a hard one for the coach, because she was very gifted, but he insisted that they all must go to the meets. Driving two hours (each way) to sit around all day for a 50 yard event, and then wait another hour and a half for the next one, just sucked all the fun out of this. She eventually joined the high school team which was much more fun and more rewarding.
A long story short, swimming is either something your child will either completely love, or eventually shy away from. When they dread the early practices or the two hour sessions after school, you know that it just might not be their thing. The kids who are born to do this masochistic sport simply live for it. ...that's how I felt about it anyway. :) and still do, 40 plus years later.
