Helping your child learn, grow and become independent
Gaining independence and having the ability to do age-appropriate tasks on one’s own is a very natural and necessary part of growing up. At first, training a child to be independent takes time and effort, but the results are long-lasting and essential for their growth and maturity.
When it comes to swimming and sports in general, independence is crucial.
HEALTHY EATING
Speak to your child about healthy eating and how it affects their training. Allow them to assist in preparing healthy meals when they are younger and when a little older, to prepare their own healthy lunches and snacks.
KEEPING TRACK OF THEIR OWN SCHEDULE
Encourage your child or teen to know and keep track of their own schedule – school, homework, and extra-mural activities. Give your child a calendar and get them into the habit of writing down important dates and appointments. As they get older, encourage them to keep track of important things like training sessions, due dates, birthday parties, doctor’s appointments, etc. Independent children and teens will be able to rely on themselves, and not only on their coaches and parents, in terms of knowing what they need to do and where they need to be.
SPORTS KIT
Furthermore, give your child the tools and steps required to look after their sports kit, such as rinsing off swimming equipment. Allow them to take ownership of ensuring their swimming kit, warm clothes, etc., are ready the night before a training session or race. Avoid doing it for them.
MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS
Get your child into the habit of forming their own opinions in a wide variety of areas – from current affairs to fictional stories. Encourage them to tell you what their opinion is and what they think about specific issues. This will enable a child to start thinking about why they believe what they believe and give them the tools to think critically and make informed decisions about their training.
THE ATHLETE-COACH RELATIONSHIP
The key to healthy relationships, in general, is clear communication. One of the best ways your child can grow in their self-confidence and relationship with their coach is by speaking up and communicating their concerns, needs, and desires themselves.
Allowing your child to speak for themselves will do wonders for their ability to communicate effectively in all areas of their life and will help them to build more solid, sincere relationships that are based on trust and mutual respect. Encouraging them to speak up for themselves (and not stepping up to do it for them) will also do wonders for their sense of independence.
In terms of swimming, or any other sport for that matter, a solid athlete-coach relationship will ensure an athlete is able to trust their coach, leading to a knowledge that their coach wants the very best for them and their growth in the sport.
Ultimately, your child will be encouraged to commit whole-heartedly, striving for personal bests – knowing their coach and parents want the best for them and genuinely believe in their ability to improve.