The Top 12 Things Every Parent of a Swim Team Kid Needs to Know

Table of Contents

• 1. Swim meets can be long and (a little) boring.
• 2. There will be a lot of waiting around between events.
• 3. Speaking of chatting, get to know the other parents on the team.
• 4. Your child will probably get homesick at some point during an away meet.
• 5. Get involved!
• 6. Don’t forget to pack extra clothes, including a towel and sunscreen.
• 7. Learn the lingo!
• 8. Cheer loudly!
• 9. Be prepared for wet seats.
• 10. Make sure to bring cash!
• 11. Plan for weather delays
• 12. Have fun!

Joining the swim team is a big commitment for both kids and parents. If you’re the parent of a swim team kid, there are some things you need to know in order to make the most of the experience. Here are the top 12 things every parent of a swim team kid needs to know.

1. Swim meets can be long and (a little) boring.

Make sure your child (and you!) have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand to keep energy levels up. Bring a book or an e-reader to help pass the time.

2. There will be a lot of waiting around between events.

Bring activities to keep your child and yourself occupied, or better yet, make friends with other parents so you can chat while the kids are swimming.

3. Speaking of chatting, get to know the other parents on the team.

You’ll all be spending a lot of time together at practices and meets, so it’s good to get to know each other.

4. Your child will probably get homesick at some point during an away meet.

Be prepared with comforting items from home, like a favorite stuffed animal or blanket. This happened to my 10 year old daughter at her first away meet. I thought she’d be so excited to go to a meet three hours away (and she was)! But after day 2, she was ready to go home and sleep in her own bed.

5. Get involved!

There are usually a lot of volunteer opportunities at swim meets, from timing events to working the snack bar. It’s a great way to meet people and support your child’s team. Even kids and siblings over the age of 12 can get in on the fun by volunteering as a timer or helping deliver snacks to the officials and coaches.

6. Don’t forget to pack extra clothes, including a towel and sunscreen.

Many pools don’t have showers, so your child will need to change into dry clothes after their events. It’s always good to bring more clothes than you need, including a pair of dry shoes.

7. Learn the lingo!

There are a lot of terms used in swimming that non-swimmers may not be familiar with. Doing some research before your child’s first meet will help you understand what’s going on and cheer your child on more effectively.

8. Cheer loudly!

Meets can be noisy places, so don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard when your child is swimming. They’ll appreciate the support (even if they act like they don’t).

9. Be prepared for wet seats.

If you’re sitting poolside during your child’s events, chances are you’re going to get splashed by errant waves from time to time. A towel or poncho can help protect your clothes from getting soaked.

10. Make sure to bring cash!

Most meets require payment for entry fees, parking, snacks, etc., so come prepared with enough cash or checks to cover everything (plus a little extra in case of emergency). 

11. Plan for weather delays

Any outdoor event is subject to being canceled or delayed due to weather conditions. Make sure you check the forecast before heading out to any outdoor meet, and be prepared with alternate plans in case things get canceled or postponed.

12. Have fun!

Yes, meets can be long and exhausting, but they’re also a great opportunity to watch your child do something they love and spend time with other families who are going through the same thing. So take advantage of it, relax, and enjoy yourself! Your kids are only young once. 🙂 

Swim team is a great activity for kids, but it’s also a big commitment for parents. If you’re the parent of a swim team kid, there are some things you need to know in order to make the most of the experience. By being prepared, getting involved, and cheering loudly, you can ensure that both you and your child have a great time!