Yousername
SILVER
Having fun and working hard is not mutually exclusive. I don't think me telling him to finish laps first in practice is pushing too hard.
Can I recommend you go back and read what a lot of parents are saying on this thread? There’s a lot of parents of older kids who’ve chimed in on here, and they are saying that at 7 years old, the fundamental thing you should be focusing on is making sure the kid is having fun. Are they having fun being the first to finish laps, or are they rolling their eyes and tuning you out, with the “ugh… there they go again”blank stare? If it’s the latter, then back off. At 7, if you want them to invest and play in this sport long term, you GOTTA get them to fall in love with the sport. Believe me, there will be Pah-LENTY of times you’ll be ragging on them for not putting in the effort and energy when you know they can do better. For right now, let them fall in love with the game. Let them learn how to listen to the coach. If the coach does their job right, they’ll take a group of goofing off, giggling, wrestling dinguses and be able to have them more focused, listening and following instructions. Coaches coach. Parents cheer. End of lesson.