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| For Parents: Are you a Super Model? |
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FOR THE PARENTS: Want your swimmer to adopt the same behavior you exhibit about his or her swimming? Want them to develop the same attitude about competition? Whether you do or you don’t…they probably already have. You are the most important role model in your child’s life. This poem has been sent on by Eastern Zone Director, Peter Clark. I know that this poem seems like it’s referring to little children, but it stands true for adolescents and young adults, as well. From Howard Ferguson’s book, “The Edge”: “Little Eyes Upon You”
There are little eyes upon you And they’re watching night and day. There are little ears that quickly Take in every word you say. There are little hands all eager To do anything you do; And a little boy who’s dreaming Of the day he’ll be like you. You’re the little fellow’s idol, You’re the wisest of the wise. In his little mind about you No suspicions ever rise. He believes in you devoutly, Holds all that you say and do; He will say and do, in your way, When he’s grown up like you. There’s a wide eyed little fellow Who believes you’re always right; And his eyes are always opened, And he watches day and night. You are setting an example Every day in all you do, For the little boy who’s waiting To grow up to be like you. Am I saying that every great swimmer has perfect parents? Not necessarily. I am saying however, that a swimmer that has a “just go for it…best effort,” attitude probably got it from somewhere at home. Conversely, the swimmers that have a “winning and times are the only thing that matter…I must beat all my rivals all the time,” attitude probably adopted that from a very close relative, as well. I know that today’s parents are the first to point out that they are not perfect…no one is. However, modeling a healthy attitude toward sport and competition will foster a healthy attitude about sport and competition in your own swimmers. HSOTW: I have fielded more than a few questions about our “Hungriest Swimmers of the Week” awards, in the past few days. It’s quite simple: these swimmers consistently showed big improvements from previous weeks to show that they are driven to be the best they can be. Here are our “hungriest swimmers of the week,” for the week of Monday, June 5:
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