Swim Mom

7 Tips for Parents on Preparing for Target Meets

We can’t control how fast our kids swim or who is in the lane next to them. But there are a few things we can do to help make meets a success.

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Ask Swim Mom: My Son Hasn’t Been Recruited Yet

I’m concerned because my son who is a good swimmer, hasn’t gotten any offers from colleges, but his friends have already committed.

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Swim Mom Musings: What the Soccer Championship Does for Girls & Women in Sports

The USA Women’s Soccer team won another championship. The media coverage and aftermath propels girls and women who compete foreword in so many ways.

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The Silver Lining of Missing Goals

Out of all the life lessons our children learn from swimming, one of the greatest is picking themselves up and trying again after not making a goal.

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Swim Mom: We Are Not the Enemy

There are too many stories about parents yelling at officials and coaches and being way over the top. How do you let your team know you’re there to help?

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Swim Mom: Traits of Super Swim Parents

Take a look at great parents and see what makes them stand out from others. We can all learn from them. Here are 11 traits super swim parents share.

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Ask Swim Mom: Should I Force My Child to Go to Practice?

Do you have any ideas on how to get her to want to go to practice like she used to? Is it better to let her miss practice or make her go?

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Swim Mom Musings: Extraordinary Coaches

If your athlete spends 16-18 years in a sport like swimming, the coaches they experience along the way have a powerful influence over the adults they become.

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3 Reasons Why Swim Parents Should Act Like Submarines

Submarine parents are under water, out of view but are ready to surface in an emergency. They aren’t guiding their children as much as allowing them to forge their own path, but they are there when needed.

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Swim Mom: Should Parents Use the Carrot or Stick as Motivation?

Here are five thoughts about using punishment and bribes to motivate our children to do well.

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Ask Swim Mom: I Think My Child Should Move Up

I think she’d fit in better with the senior level swimmers who are faster. What can I do to help her get moved up?

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4 Reasons Why Cities Should Support Swim Teams

In my years as a swim mom and Masters swimmer, we’ve gone to city hall more than once to express the importance of keeping the pool open or to gain support for our team. Education and promotion of swimming throughout the community to non-swimmers and city staff can only help make our sport stronger.

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Swim Mom Musings: Kindle The Fire

Yesterday was Mother’s Day. This is a memorable day for swim moms because of the intense roll we play in the lives of athletes.

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Swim Mom: Is College Club Swimming the Right Choice for Your Child?

I believe that if our kids want to swim in college, they can find a school that fits—and it can be a wonderful experience. I also understand that swimming on a college team is not for everyone.

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When It Is Not Everything You Hope For, Still Give It Everything You Have

My beautiful swimmer girl, who was just four years old yesterday, will be transferring next fall. It is a scary and brave decision to alter your course if it is not taking you where you want to go.

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