Decalogue for Parents: Between Freestyle and Lifestyle
Being the parent of a young athlete is a complex art, a harmonious dance between unconditional support and enlightened discretion. In the world of swimming, where every turn is a metaphor for change and every stroke a step toward the future, the parent's role becomes as essential as it is invisible—like a coach’s work, knowing when to watch and when to applaud. Here, then, is a humorous yet thoughtful decalogue for those navigating these waters with a young swimmer in tow.
1. The Medal of Silence
First rule: the pool is not a political stage.
Technical comments shouted from the sidelines, akin to sermons from self-proclaimed chlorine experts, are not helpful. Let the coach do their job—that's what they're there for. Instead, be the quiet balance your budding champion seeks when they miss a turn.
2. The Towel Mantra
Yes, they will forget their towel.
Yes, they will do it again next time.
No, it’s not the end of the world.
The ability to improvise with a forgotten robe is the gateway to problem-solving—a skill that will serve them well beyond Lane Six.
3. The Sacred Routine of the Waterproof Bag
The swim bag is not a magic container: towels don’t dry themselves, and wet swimsuits don’t evaporate.
Get used to this ritual: waterproof bag, wash, and dry. Doing it with grace transforms a mundane chore into a small act of silent love.
4. The Olympic Mirage
Every parent has dreamed of seeing their child on the Olympic podium, with the national anthem playing in the background. But remember: swimming is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on what swimming teaches—discipline, resilience, and the beauty of continuous improvement.
5. The Alarm Clock Paradox
Early morning practices are your purgatory. Accept them with philosophy.
Coffee will be your travel companion, and the quiet of dawn your reward for witnessing the determination of a young athlete.
6. The Anthem of Autonomy
Don’t carry their bag to the pool’s edge or chase them with a water bottle.
Autonomy is built in small things, like remembering their goggles. Being a swimmer also means learning to manage the tools of the trade.
7. Conscious Cheerleading
Celebrate every race, not just the podium finishes.
Show them that the true victory lies not in the medal but in the challenge against oneself. Sometimes, a personal best means more than a gold medal.
8. The Virtue of Patience
The pool is a parallel universe where time flows differently.
Meets proceed at a pace that would test even Job. Bring a book, a crossword puzzle, or some philosophical contemplation: you’ll learn that waiting can be enriching.
9. The Elegance of Discretion
The poolside is neither a confessional nor a social club.
Avoid obsessively comparing your child’s progress to others. Every swimmer has their own pace, and the water rewards those who focus on their own journey.
10. The Joy of the Journey
Never forget the true purpose of sports: to shape well-rounded individuals, not just champions.
Whether your child becomes the next Michael Phelps or simply a balanced adult, remember that the joy lies in the journey, not just the destination.
Ultimately, being the parent of a young swimmer means diving into a world of daily sacrifices, sudden joys, and life lessons that emerge between laps.
You are not just spectators; you are the silent current that helps your child find their rhythm, both in and out of the water.