Swim Mom: 6 Tips for Swim Parents About Seeing Things Differently

A few months ago, I had several emails from parents who were upset because their kids wanted to quit swimming. With the Coronavirus, pools have closed, teams can’t practice and meets have been cancelled. One mom told me that now that her son isn’t allowed to swim, he can’t wait to get back in. Like most swimmers, he’s missing friends, coaches, and practices — and can’t wait for the pools to reopen.

Now is a good time to look back at things that bothered or upset us before we sheltered in place. Some things may have seemed monumental at the moment. Today, we see people losing their lives, jobs and homes. Our anxieties and worries that existed before COVID-19 don’t seem to matter so much in comparison.

If we take anything away from these uncertain days, maybe it’s not to sweat the small stuff and appreciate what we have. Here are few things to think about when we slowly return to our new normal and our teams return to the water:

ONE

Change.

“Change is the only constant in life,” was stated by Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher. COVID-19 has taught us that our entire world can be turned upside down in a minute. Never take anything for granted, including our health, swimming and essentials like toilet paper.

TWO

Gratitude.

I am so grateful for all I have in my life — my family, friends and health. It’s a great time to start a gratitude journal and we can ask our children to start one, too. Make a daily note of what you’re thankful for.

THREE

Prioritize.

We have been given time to focus on what’s important in our lives and what we can do to improve and grow. With time on our hands, how are we using it? Are there things that we can do without?

FOUR

Forgiveness.

Let the little stuff go and forgive. People are stressed and may act out in strange ways. We can have empathy for what they may be going through and forgive and forget.

FIVE

Helpfulness.

In what ways can we make our team better? I would love to get out of the house and volunteer at a meet again. When I’m asked to help out, I may answer with more enthusiasm.

SIX

Perspective.

These past six weeks have given us all a chance to view life and swimming with a new perspective. Eventually, when we return to work, school and busy days, will we forget and start to take things for granted again? Let’s try to keep perspective of what’s truly important in our lives.

What changes in your life do you think will continue on after the shut down?

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.