INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

Section Description:
This blog focuses on why parent involvement in organizing sports events is vital for kids and how volunteering can have a positive impact on the parents themselves.

Key Topics:

• Why It Matters:
  Parents' participation creates a warm, supportive environment where kids feel cared for. Volunteering demonstrates that sports are not just about competition but also about teamwork, where everyone’s contribution counts.
• How You Can Help:
  Explore different volunteer roles such as judging, organizing, coordinating kids, or photography.
• Benefits for Parents:
  
  • An opportunity to connect with your child and share important moments.
  • Building friendships with other parents.
  • A sense of fulfillment from contributing to your child’s growth.
• Example: Volunteering at Brave Whales Christmas Meet:
  Tips on how to pick a role and register for the event.

Why It’s Important:
Proper gear minimizes water resistance, boosts performance, and teaches kids responsibility for their belongings.

Choosing a Swimsuit:
Select age-appropriate and well-fitted swimsuits.

• Popular Shop: SwimOutlet
• Girls: Swimsuit 1, Swimsuit 2
• Boys: Swimsuit 1, Swimsuit 2

Why a Swim Cap Matters:

• Essential for long hair and mandatory at competitions.
• Brave Whales caps are $15. Contact us to purchase.

Swim Goggles:
Choose goggles that fit snugly and prevent leaks.

• Recommended Models: 
• Goggles 1, 
• Goggles 2

Swimming Gear:
Equip your child with fins, kickboard, snorkel, and pull buoy for a better experience.

• For Kids Under 6: No snorkels needed.
• Recommended Links:
  • Fins
  • Snorkel

Section Description:
Parents play a key role in shaping their child’s character and sports achievements. This blog explores how to support your child so that sports become a source of joy, not stress.

Key Topics:

• Why Parent Involvement Matters:
  Sports help children develop discipline, self-confidence, and teamwork. Parents are essential in nurturing these qualities.
• How to Support Your Child:
  
  • Encourage rather than pressure: praise progress, not just victories.
  • Discuss both successes and failures: teach kids to learn from every experience.
• Recommended Books for Swim Parents:
  
  • “In The Know: A Swim Parent's Guide” by Nick Baker
  • “Champions Are Raised, Not Born: How My Parents Made Me a Success” by Summer Sanders
• Dmitry Zicer’s Lecture for Russian-Speaking Parents:
  Why raising kids with love, not pressure, is important.
  
  • Tickets: Event Link
  • Zicer’s Website: Learn More

Section Description:
This blog offers parents practical tips for teaching kids how to maintain their gear so it lasts longer and stays safe to use.

Key Topics:

• Why It’s Important:
  
  • Proper maintenance ensures comfort and safety.
  • Caring for belongings teaches responsibility.
• Practical Tips:
  
  • Use markers to label equipment.
  • Re-label items regularly as needed.
  • Properly store and dry gear after each lesson.
• What to Do if Gear Gets Lost:
  Tips for parents and kids on how to avoid losing equipment at the pool.

Section Description:
An overview of the benefits of sports for children, including physical, social, and personal development.

Key Topics:

• Physical Development:
  Improved coordination, strength, and endurance.
• Social Skills:
  
  • Learning teamwork.
  • Building friendships with peers.
• Character Building:
  
  • Teaching kids to set goals and overcome challenges.
  • The role of parents and coaches in instilling the right mindset.
• Brave Whales Values:
  How the team helps kids become not just great swimmers but also great individuals.