Learning
about oneself while enjoying the sport is one of the
most important aspects of swimming. The swimming
environment encourages learning and fun, helping
your child to develop a positive self-image.
Athletes who find their self-worth through winning
will go through tough times when they lose, and
everyone, even Michael Phelps, will lose sometime!
It is not healthy for your child to compete only in
those events where he can “win.” When the coach
enters your child in new events, encourage him. He
needs the experience of trying (and perhaps failing)
so that he can learn how to handle defeat and
develop improvement goals. He will learn that
losing does not make him a failure as a person, a
big step in building self-esteem.
It takes more that just encouragement on your part.
When your child fails, you must show the same
unconditional love and approval as when he succeeds.
Don’t praise dishonestly. Children see through that.
Just show love and approval for the child, not for
his performance. Continue to encourage your child to
take on new challenges.
To learn more about being a great swim parent, visit
the Parents Section at
usaswimming.org/Parents