HYDERABAD: Behind every successful swimmer is an encouraging swim parent. Are you a good swim parent? Chances are no one has ever asked you this question and it has never crossed your mind either. The truth is - as important as your kid’s swimming goals are; your support to them is equally significant. Here are some cues on the support I used to seek from my parents during my early swimming days:
1. Positive talk
It is exciting to prepare for competitive training/racing. But there are times when your kid will feel pressure from the coach or peers to up his/ her game and put in extra efforts. It is at such times that your words will make a huge difference. From a pat on the back after a good swim session to making them feel better after an average swim, keeping them relaxed and committed is up to you. Give them a hug if you feel they need one.
2. You’re not the coach
As hard as it may seem to resist instructing them, it is important to realise that you’re not a coach or a critic, but a parent. The moment you begin to coach them, it will only get harder for your child to juggle between the instructions from their coach and you. Stay involved but also maintain a healthy distance from the coaching process. That way the coach and your child can effectively work together and accomplish more with every session.
3. Time management
Every swimmer knows the importance of seconds and milliseconds. As a parent if you are the one who accompanies them to practice sessions, you will realise that reaching few minutes prior goes a long way in making the most of their practice time. Besides, it will make your kid respect time in swimming and other spheres of life too. My mom always reminded me a day before to keep my swimming bag ready and it was my dad who ensured I reached 10 minutes prior to my swimming class.
4. Enroll for competitions and Swimathons
Be on the lookout for local swimming tournaments such as inter-school school level and inter-club swimming championships. They prove to be a great launch pad for your budding swimmer. Companies like Speedo, a manufacturer of swim wear and accessories, organise high quality events happening often that offer the much needed exposure for your child to compete with other young swimmers and fine tune their performance.
Remember, your role is to bring out the best swimmer in your child. You can do it, by not being a forceful or stress-inducing parent, but being a friendly, supportive and encouraging one. You are an important pillar in your kid’s competitive swimming journey from here on.
(The author is a Speedo Fitness Expert)