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
Parents
Former Member
I agree with much of the sentiment posted so far--especially about letting the coaches do the coaching (with the appropriate level of "push") and parents do the parenting.
Too many parents think their kid is not getting their due attention from the coach. Most coaches make a great deal of effort to challenge each of their athletes in the most appropriate manner for the individual. This is no easy job, so there may be times when coaches miss something, but parents should not try to fill that gap.
Parents should bring their concerns to the coach--and then be prepared for honest feedback from the coach! I've seen many parents shocked to learn that little Sally does not want to work harder and is being encouraged to just have fun. Of course, mom & dad think Sally is just about the best swimmer on the team. Reality checks can be a good thing for both swimmers and parents.
I agree with much of the sentiment posted so far--especially about letting the coaches do the coaching (with the appropriate level of "push") and parents do the parenting.
Too many parents think their kid is not getting their due attention from the coach. Most coaches make a great deal of effort to challenge each of their athletes in the most appropriate manner for the individual. This is no easy job, so there may be times when coaches miss something, but parents should not try to fill that gap.
Parents should bring their concerns to the coach--and then be prepared for honest feedback from the coach! I've seen many parents shocked to learn that little Sally does not want to work harder and is being encouraged to just have fun. Of course, mom & dad think Sally is just about the best swimmer on the team. Reality checks can be a good thing for both swimmers and parents.
