One of the best things I did for my kids was sign them up for the swim team. They learned many things, such as perseverance, time-management, good sportsmanship, plus they’re physically active and fit. With all those great reasons, doesn’t it make sense that swim parents should dive into the pool, too? I decided to give it a try. I’ve been swimming for 16 months now and I believe it’s one of the best things I’ve done for myself in a long time.
When I started, it was a struggle to make it across the pool. I knew only one stroke, freestyle, but I didn’t know how to breathe. I now have four strokes—sort of—but more importantly, a new appreciation for my kids.
Here are 12 reasons why all swim parents should join masters:
ONE
You will truly appreciate what your kids have been doing on a daily basis.
TWO
You can complain to your kids about the hard main set.
THREE
You’ll be even more impressed with your kids’ endurance and speed.
FOUR
You’ll get out of your comfort zone and try something new which is a good thing. Really.
FIVE
You’ll think twice about not taking your kids to practice, because you know the importance of consistency.
SIX
You’ll recognize the bond your kids have with other swimmers, because you have your own swim buddies, too.
SEVEN
You’ll develop a better understanding of your coach’s skill, expertise, and what a coach’s schedule is like.
EIGHT
You’ll enjoy the tiredness and great night’s sleep that swimming brings.
NINE
It’s a low impact sport, which is better for older bodies than say running, football or ice hockey.
TEN
You’ll understand that small accomplishments and improvements will keep you—and your kids—in the water.
ELEVEN
You’ll be less critical of your kids times and focus more on the process.
TWELVE
All parents can learn how to swim and join Masters. You don’t have to be a super athlete to do it.
Why do you think swim parents should join masters?
Elizabeth Wickham volunteered for 14 years on her kids’ club team as board member, fundraiser, newsletter editor and “Mrs. meet manager.” She’s a writer with a bachelor of arts degree in editorial journalism from the University of Washington with a long career in public relations, marketing and advertising. Her stories have appeared in newspapers and magazines including the Los Angeles Times, Orange County Parenting and Ladybug. You can read more parenting tips on her blog.
I am interested but have no kids is that ok. Do you have to start out an expert swimmer? I am go swimteam in high school but 60 yrs tomorrow & know its tge sport for aging!
Also, it prevents helicopter parenting – mainly those who try and override the coach – during practices and meets (especially if you are on the same team, swimming at similar times).
The same team? Where are you from? I don’t know of any US or Canadian masters teams that are integrated into a kids teams.
I swim on the same U.S. team as my kids. I swim Masters which has different practice schedule but same team. I think it’s pretty common in So Cal. Check out US Masters for a team near you. Swimming is awesome!
Ours is but the old people only practice twice a week, separately and with a different coach. They only share the team name and crooked management.
14. Being on a team is fun, regardless of your age.
Now that I am back in the pool I am encouraging my wife and kids who were all swimmers back in with me. In February we will have a our first grandchild maybe I will have success there.
13. When your kid’s swimming career is over and they’re in town, they can join you at your master’s practice. With any luck, you can draft off them a bit.