I'm sure you guys can help... I am a masters swimmer. Our son is 17, has been a club swimmer for four years, and swims on his high school team. He swims with the senior 1 group, and his practices are 2 hours 45 minutes on the weekdays and two hours on Saturdays. He is a decent, solid swimmer (state but not sectional cuts in numerous events). He is a junior in high school and is currently taking five AP courses (his decision, not my husband's and mine). His grades are good and he works hard.
Recently, he has been feeling a lot of stress due to his workload in school and swimming. He told me last night that swimming isn't fun any more. He says he thinks he still wants to swim club, possibly at the senior 2 level instead, and still wants to swim high school. He actually isn't sure he even wants to drop to a less demanding group; he isn't really sure what to do. While I think his academic load is part of why he is stressed, I know that constantly staring at a black line for hours is playing a large part as well. Aside from being supportive of him and encouraging him to talk to his coach (who is my coach as well, which could possibly complicate things), is there anything I can do to help? I don't want to be one of "those" parents, but I want to do what is best for my son. Obviously I would like him to stay in the senior 1 group, but I'm not the one swimming there. His coach knows him well, as he has been with this coach for four years. Part of the issue is that our son doesn't want to let his coach down. I know it is his call, and I'm trying to stay as objective as possible.
I'm sure many of you experienced swim burnout as a teenager. Any suggestions you can give are much appreciated.
Kristin
Parents
Former Member
My concern is more the opposite. In today's more competitive swim environment did we do them more harm then good? Will they get discouraged because they can't compete with the kids that have been swimming longer? Will they never catch-up? I guess only time will tell.
I know what you mean about wondering if you're doing the right thing, though. Like you, I didn't start swimming seriously (year-round) until high-school and none of my kids are there yet. I worry that I may be under the false impression that you can still start late and have a lot of success. That may not be as true now as it was 25+ years ago.
Coming from a different angle -- myself, and not my kids :), I think much of it is how we define "success." Is success solely beating competitors, or is success enjoying swimming and personal improvement? Very few people will be record holders (or even masters top 10, for that matter), even if they started swimming early in life. As long as the basic swimming skills are there early, I don't think competitive swimming as a child is necessary for high school or masters swimming success.
:2cents:Maybe he needs to have a physical - before assuming it's stress alone; have his blood chemistry, blood count checked too. Just to rule out any other type of deficiency. Keep it simple....Good Luck - keep being supportive!!!!!!
I actually have thought of that (have obviously been doing a lot of thinking these past few days with all of the discussion going on here :)). We will certainly follow up on a physical reason if this continues for any length of time. In the meantime, I have restocked the vitamins, and am emphasizing proper nutrition and sleep. Thanks to everyone for some great and different points of view!
My concern is more the opposite. In today's more competitive swim environment did we do them more harm then good? Will they get discouraged because they can't compete with the kids that have been swimming longer? Will they never catch-up? I guess only time will tell.
I know what you mean about wondering if you're doing the right thing, though. Like you, I didn't start swimming seriously (year-round) until high-school and none of my kids are there yet. I worry that I may be under the false impression that you can still start late and have a lot of success. That may not be as true now as it was 25+ years ago.
Coming from a different angle -- myself, and not my kids :), I think much of it is how we define "success." Is success solely beating competitors, or is success enjoying swimming and personal improvement? Very few people will be record holders (or even masters top 10, for that matter), even if they started swimming early in life. As long as the basic swimming skills are there early, I don't think competitive swimming as a child is necessary for high school or masters swimming success.
:2cents:Maybe he needs to have a physical - before assuming it's stress alone; have his blood chemistry, blood count checked too. Just to rule out any other type of deficiency. Keep it simple....Good Luck - keep being supportive!!!!!!
I actually have thought of that (have obviously been doing a lot of thinking these past few days with all of the discussion going on here :)). We will certainly follow up on a physical reason if this continues for any length of time. In the meantime, I have restocked the vitamins, and am emphasizing proper nutrition and sleep. Thanks to everyone for some great and different points of view!
