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?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
3 Tips for Getting Off the Emotional Rollercoaster of Swim Parenting
Watching our kids compete can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. One minute I’m on top of the world when they get a best time and win their event. Then, in the abyss when they don’t show up for their event and I wonder what happened.
Ask Swim Mom: What If the Coach Has Favorites?
Kids talk a lot among themselves and I’ve overheard my son and teammates say they feel like the coach has a favorite. Is there anything I can do to make this situation better for my son and his friends?
SwimMom Musings: Find Your Circle
Earlier this week, I read an important quote about the importance of finding your circle – or as some call it – your tribe. Nowhere is this more important than in college swimming.
6 Parent Tips About Nerves at Meets
Here are six tips on how to relax at meets for parents and to share with our kids.
Ask Swim Mom: What Makes a Great Coach?
Courtesy: Elizabeth Wickham Dear Swim Mom, In your experience as a long-time swim parent, what do you think makes a…
Swim Mom Musings: You Were Made for This Moment
The culture begins and ends with you. Coaches, are you made for this moment?
