The Parent-Swimmer Relationship

It is not the intention of any YMCA coach to advise a parent, or parents, on how to raise their children.  No one understands the parent-child relationship better than a parent.  In an athletic environment, human nature often prevents a parent from remaining detached and objective in matters concerning their children. If you have questions or concerns, please get the coaches involved so they can help.

Everyone involved in the type of training program conducted by YMCA must realize that each individual learns at a different rate and responds differently to the various methods of skill development.  The slower developer obviously takes more time to learn and requires more patience on the part of the parents and coaches.  Each swimmer will reach their goals at a different rate.

Parent-Swimmer Tips

The ultimate swimming goal for a parent should be a swimmer that is self-motivated, self-confident and feels good about themselves and the goals they have achieved.

Swim parents are Beautiful when...

• You use positive encouragement to fill your child’s Emotional Tank because athletes do their best when their “Emotional Tank” is full. Fewer than 1% of youth sports participants receive college scholarships and the top three reasons kids play sports are: a) to have fun, b) to make new friends, and c) to learn new skills.
• You reinforce the ELM Tree of Mastery with your child (E for Effort, L for Learning and M for bouncing back from Mistakes). Winners are people who make maximum effort, continue to learn and improve, and do not let mistakes, or fear of making mistakes, stop them.
• You do your best to get the participant to practice and swim meets on time.  Understanding that you may be putting him/her at risk by not providing adequate time for warm up. This shows respect for the coach, and it tells my swimmer that he/she is my top priority.
• You Honor the Sport of Swimming and understand the importance of setting a good example for your child. No matter what others may do, you show respect for all involved in swimming including coaches, swimmers, spectators and officials.
• You realize that coaches and officials are human, and feel terrible when they make a mistake - just like you do!
• You say, “What did you learn?” after your swimmer just got DQ’d.
• You promote team unity and cheer for athletes who are not your own children.  You emphasize the importance of the “team” and cheering for teammates.
• You drive carpools that would make a NYC cab driver dizzy.
• You help set-up or breakdown for events that you did not sign-up to help with.
• You understand that only the four faster swimmers can be on the “A” relay team.
• You help new parents “learn the ropes” in a positive way.
• You know that there is nothing heavier than a great potential and won’t put your athlete under any additional burden.
• You realize that one single swim is not all that important; it’s the process that counts.
• You congratulate your son or daughter’s friend for doing a best time because recognition by another adult, besides a parent, is very important.
• You realize that every swimmer is a winner as long as they try their best.
• You support your child’s swimming by helping support the organization that brings your child the opportunity.
• You work a full day at a swim meet, and then want to know where the team party is!