We’re coming up on a new swim season. School is starting up and it’s time for our kids to jump back into the pool.

Like New Year’s Day, the start of swim season is a time to reflect on the prior year, plus plan for the season ahead. Our kids may be working on goals for this season, formulating them with their coaches. It’s the perfect time for us to figure out what we can do better, too.

Here are four things to work on to be an even more awesome swim parent:

ONE

Don’t focus on best times or winning.

It’s important for us to encourage the process and not get to caught up with results. Encourage your kids’ hard work, dedication and effort. Your swimmer may not drop time, be in a plateau—or discover that there are lots of faster swimmers out there. That’s okay. It’s the process that they control, not the outcomes. When we focus on times and results, we put too much pressure on our kids.

TWO

Reach out to a new parent.

Take a look at your fellow team parents. Are there parents you haven’t met? Or, don’t usually sit with at a meet? Take some time this season to reach out to newer parents. I’ll never forget when one swim mom smiled and invited me to help her in the snack bar. It was the first swim meet for my 7-year-old son and I was as overwhelmed as he was. A friendship began with a welcoming smile—that is still strong today—14 years later.

THREE

Avoid gossip.

Nothing good comes from talking about other parents, swimmers or coaches on deck. A lot of stress and anxiety gets stirred up. So, when other parents start down that road, don’t jump in and participate. You can walk away or tell the talkers that you’d like to change the subject to something positive.

FOUR

Keep active.

Be a good example to your kids by participating in a sport, walking, swimming or working out at the gym. If we stay in shape ourselves, we are showing that we think physical activity is a priority. You’ll feel better and have more energy for the busy swim season ahead.