Last weekend, I was at a USS swim meet and heard parents and coaches complaining about the "distraction" of many swimmers now. They blame this distraction (in addition to the rise of the boy/girl crazy period) on the advent of cell phones and IM-ing, etc. Apparently, at meets, and I've seen it, the kids spent scads of time on their cells phones, phoning friends, phoning kids across the pool, texting constantly (even to kids 5 feet away). Then they go home and IM for hours, checking and gossiping over the instant meet results and who beat who. Now, all the swimmers seem to know each other because, even if they're not on the same team or live in different states, they now can communicate easily via IM-ing and texting. I heard one coach say he's not sure how to get his swim kids to focus in this new techo-age. Obviously, some kids are focused like lasers, but I see an abundance of chatting and cell phone use too. Would kids do better without cell phones at meets? And is technology distracting them? Some seem to be swimming blazingly fast, but are others not swimming up to their potential because of this?
Parents
Former Member
Not saying that cellphones are bad period. They can be good for safety.
I don't think they are appropriate at a meet, likewise on the sidelines at a game--you should be paying attention to what's going on.
I didn't get everything as a kid, I didn't get LaCoste shirts, Tacchini tracksuits or other expensive items that were the must haves. I got abused for being fat, the son of a policeman, not having designer clothes etc etc etc. The teenage me might have held my parent's responsible for a short ungrateful time but the man I am now doesn't remember it.
I remember real moments that proved love. Family vacations, Christmas days spent with the TV off playing games with 3 generations--sure I got some spoiling items but I certainly didn't keep up step for step with the Jones'
I think kids today, even mine, are overindulged; some tremendously so. I guess as long as there is some moderation and fundamental gifts to balance out the material things then it is not a total one way street.
Not saying that cellphones are bad period. They can be good for safety.
I don't think they are appropriate at a meet, likewise on the sidelines at a game--you should be paying attention to what's going on.
I didn't get everything as a kid, I didn't get LaCoste shirts, Tacchini tracksuits or other expensive items that were the must haves. I got abused for being fat, the son of a policeman, not having designer clothes etc etc etc. The teenage me might have held my parent's responsible for a short ungrateful time but the man I am now doesn't remember it.
I remember real moments that proved love. Family vacations, Christmas days spent with the TV off playing games with 3 generations--sure I got some spoiling items but I certainly didn't keep up step for step with the Jones'
I think kids today, even mine, are overindulged; some tremendously so. I guess as long as there is some moderation and fundamental gifts to balance out the material things then it is not a total one way street.
