George asked whether age group swimmers are being bullied/pressured into swimming by parents, coaches and friends. Are they? Are parents living out their "unfulfilled dreams" through their young ones, as Geek suggested in another thread? Share your funniest/saddest story about overbearing swim parents or coaches.
When one of my kids comes in second in something I always quote Mark Spitz: "You don't win a silver, you lose a gold". They laugh they know there Dad is kidding although not 100% kidding.
I don't know ... I hear ya. Winning is, in reality, part of life, and kids shouldn't be taught that mere participation is all important. But maybe this is better for the coach to say? And not say every single time a kid comes in second?
I've had philosophical discussions with my kids on these issues. I'd have a word with my kids if they loafed. But coming in first is definitely not the only goal. It's not even a realistic one at most competitive USS meets unless you're nationally ranked. I don't think we need to put on that on kids. Kids can have perfectly satisfying swimming careers without that. Fun and fitness are objectives too. Although I realize some parents apparently just care about glory.
When one of my kids comes in second in something I always quote Mark Spitz: "You don't win a silver, you lose a gold". They laugh they know there Dad is kidding although not 100% kidding.
I don't know ... I hear ya. Winning is, in reality, part of life, and kids shouldn't be taught that mere participation is all important. But maybe this is better for the coach to say? And not say every single time a kid comes in second?
I've had philosophical discussions with my kids on these issues. I'd have a word with my kids if they loafed. But coming in first is definitely not the only goal. It's not even a realistic one at most competitive USS meets unless you're nationally ranked. I don't think we need to put on that on kids. Kids can have perfectly satisfying swimming careers without that. Fun and fitness are objectives too. Although I realize some parents apparently just care about glory.
