(0) Cart
Search
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Account
Log in
Register
Cart (0) Cart
  • HOME
  • TAKE THE QUIZ
  • PRODUCTS
  • ABOUT US
  • ATHLETES
  • BLOG
  • FAQ
  • GUIDES +Toggle menu
    • Teen Athlete Guide
    • Masters Athlete Guide
    • Recovery Guide
    • Ultimate Recipe Guide
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Register
  • Log in
Nutrition Recovery Endurance Power Lifestyle

What Age Should Your Child Join a Swimming Club?

What Age Should Your Child Join a Swimming Club?

There are so many benefits to joining sports for children; social camaraderie, physical development, and discipline training. Many of our featured Masters swimmers and Olympic athletes started their sports careers at an early age and have enjoyed the benefits of swimming their whole lives. But what age should your child start participating in sports? Here are some things to consider before you sign them up for a swimming club.

Early start doesn't equal success

Many parents think that the sooner they put their kids into sports, or really any activity, the quicker they will master it and become a superstar. But studies from leading sports psychologists show that there is no link between the age a child starts organized sports and their level of success in their chosen sport. There are plenty of examples of athletes who became "late-bloomers" after starting their sports careers later than their peers.

And starting early can sometimes subject your child to burnout. Unfortunately, burnout happens more often than some parents are willing to share or acknowledge, pushing their children to undesirable limits. If you push your child too early, they may lose interest in the sport by their teen years and choose another activity altogether. To make sure your child doesn't experience burnout, check in with them and see how they're enjoying their swimming club. And listen for their honest responses. If they love it, keep them enrolled another year, but if they give any hint of dissatisfaction, find another activity for them that suits their personality and social skills.

The Ultimate Teen Athlete Guide

Is the swimming club age-appropriate?

Another element to consider when deciding on a swimming club for your child is the age that the club caters to and the developmental level of your child. If your child is younger, you want to choose a club that has less structure and focuses on the play and fun elements of organized sports. On the other hand, if your child is pre-teen or teenage, a swim club with more structure is appropriate. This age is used to more structure and can handle the demands of a bit more focus before they head into a high school program.

You'll also want to research the coaches and the style of coaching at your child's new swim club. A good coach will respect the social, psychological, and physical development of different age groups and design a swim program around their needs.

Consider the whole family

When you sign your child up for a swimming club, you're making a commitment as a family. You'll want to consider things like:

  • What other siblings are participating in organized activities and do any siblings belong to the same swim club?
  • Who will be responsible for transportation to and from swim practice and events?
  • Will my child's school schedule and homework demands suffer?
  • Are we able to make changes as a family with our nutrition habits to support our child's success?
  • What does the coach expect from me as a parent to support my child's participation throughout the season?

Asking and answering these important questions is a great first step in determining whether or not your child, and the family, is ready to join a swimming club. When everyone is engaged and on the same page, it will be much easier to ensure a successful swim season!

For more articles about nutrition for your child or teen and how to make sure they're performing at their best, read our P2Life blog here!

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/ healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/fitness/art-20048027?pg=2

http://educatedsportsparent.com/my-child-ready-sports/

http://www.livestrong.com/ article/362478-what-age-should-my-child-start-playing-sports/

http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/signing-sports.html#

Share
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Email
March 24, 2016 — P2Life Collaborator
Tags: Lifestyle

You might also like...

The Ultimate Holiday Recipe Guide

Whether you’re training, entertaining, or staying home and relaxing these holidays we’ve put together the perfect mix o...
December 15, 2020 — P2Life

The Sunshine Vitamin - one key ingredient in avoiding a catastrophic flu season

Experts are predicting a catastrophic flu season. Athletes have spent a lot of time away from their sports this year, s...
October 07, 2020 — P2Life

The Bittersweet Truth about Sugar and Athletes

Athletes have a complicated relationship with sugar. While many of us love hating it, many of us hate how much we love it. Ou...
August 12, 2020 — P2Life Collaborator

Recent blogs

  • The Ultimate Holiday Recipe Guide
  • The Sunshine Vitamin - one key ingredient in avoiding a catastrophic flu season
  • The Bittersweet Truth about Sugar and Athletes
  • Recovery 101 Guide
  • The Anti-Stress Vitamin: EnduroBoost Adaptogens
Signup for our newsletter
Please insert your email for latest updates
Ask us a question
  • BLOG
  • PRODUCT
  • SEARCH
  • SHOP
  • LOGIN
  • SUPPORT +Toggle menu
    • Certified Drug Free
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • FDA Disclaimer
  • JOIN THE TEAM
  • HELP
  • FDA DISCLAIMER
  • Terms of Service
  • Refund policy
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Signup for our newsletter
© 2021 P2Life.
American Express Apple Pay Diners Club Discover Elo Google Pay JCB Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay Venmo Visa