Greetings all!!
A LONG time ago, I was an age group swimmer. Not all that good, really ... basically I was a 5-6-7 finisher from age 8 through high school. (Thus, no one wanted me for anything more serious!!)
My son, now age 8.5, started swimming on a team this summer and seemed to enjoy it. It was at an outdoor pool and it was a pretty laid back program. This month, we started him in a YMCA program that's considerable more organized. He seems to have a lot of natural talent (for his swimming, baseball, skiing, school work) but no PASSION for anything ... yet.
Now, I know that he's young and I definitely don't want to be a pushy parent, but I do have a question.
For those of you who had success swimming post-high school (college level or nationally), when did that spark of PASSION to really do something special ignite? Was it something your parents did ... or, maybe, did not do? Was it a coach? Happen young? Or late?
I want to encourage him but not pressure him. I had little talent, and thus wasn't able to do all that much athletically. But, he seems to have a LOT of natural talent and I don't want to see him pass up opportunities.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Cheers!!
Ken
Some pressure can be positive. The point at that age is to have fun but If you tell them to beat the kid next to them and try to get a time, that is encouraging.
I don't know. There was a dad on one team I coached that used to tell his daughter constantly that she needed to beat her best friend. He was really obnoxious. He would be obviously irritated if she didn't win. It was just so very obvious that HE was the one that needed to be in the water racing.
I think just being there for your kid 100% goes a really long way. Unconditional love and support are what kids need from parents. The coach can be the one to apply a little "pressure" or motivation if needed, IMHO.
Some pressure can be positive. The point at that age is to have fun but If you tell them to beat the kid next to them and try to get a time, that is encouraging.
I don't know. There was a dad on one team I coached that used to tell his daughter constantly that she needed to beat her best friend. He was really obnoxious. He would be obviously irritated if she didn't win. It was just so very obvious that HE was the one that needed to be in the water racing.
I think just being there for your kid 100% goes a really long way. Unconditional love and support are what kids need from parents. The coach can be the one to apply a little "pressure" or motivation if needed, IMHO.
