I will not impose my ambitions on my child.
Swimming is your child's activity. Improvement and progress occur at different rates for each individual. Do not judge your child's progress based on the performance of other athletes and do not push him/her based on what you think they should be doing. Your child should strive for his/her personal best.
I will be supportive and positive no matter the outcome.
There is only one question to ask your child after any practice or competition, "Did you have fun?" Be encouraging and never criticize your child or the coach. Both of them know when mistakes have been made. Never criticize those who are doing their best in purely voluntary positions, like officials and timers.
I will not coach my child.
My role as a parent is to provide love and support. The coach is responsible for the technical part of the job.
I will be loyal and supportive of my child's team and teammates.
There is no "I" in "TEAM." It takes a team to win or lose. Every child and parent is an important part of the team. I am aware that parent participation is needed at swim meets and that I will be called to volunteer my time for the good of the team.
I will help my child set realistic goals besides winning.
The most successful swimmers have learned to focus on the process and not the outcome. Giving 100 percent effort regardless of the outcome, is much more important than winning. One Olympian said, "My goal was to set a world record. Well I did that, but someone else did it too, just a little faster than I did. I achieved my goal and I lost. Does this make me a failure? No, in fact I am very proud of that swim." What a tremendous outlook to carry on through life.