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Testimonials
What Parents and Coaches are saying about "Swimming for Parents"
Dear Gary,
I am writing on behalf of our swim club to thank you for the excellent resource "Swimming For Parents". Our Head Coach recommends that all swim club members purchase the book. I personally have found it invaluable in explaining several aspects of the swimming world. It has something for everyone, at all stages of development, and helps parents provide the best support they can for their swimmers.
I am writing to let you know that we will be featuring the book in our club newsletter to enable newer members to be aware of its existence, and will be directing parents to purchase it from your website www.SwimmingForParents.com.
Best wishes,
Rachael, Western Australia
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Hi Gary,
‘Swimming for Parents’ is a brilliant resource.
As a parent I believe the best thing I can do is provide a happy environment were our daughter has an
inner peacefulness so that everything she does comes from within, with absolutely no external pressure.
In swimming our girl has never pushed herself excessively hard and her club was prepared to concentrate
on skill levels. Her coach is totally comfortable with her being in the middle of the pack. Coming from within,
she is now starting to discover herself and swim harder. Sadly, I see parents who have clearly bullied their
children from a very young age into going hard at all costs. Some of these kids have injuries and most cannot
appreciate the finesse required to develop the fine skills necessary to become an elite swimmer. I have often
heard comments that a swimmer didn't start winning races until they got close or into their teens, so I'm
comfortable our daughter is on the same path.
It seems to me that kids who have external pressure as opposed to internal self motivation, easily
burn out or rebel as they start to mature. They want the freedom to be themselves, not what someone
else wants them to be.
Often it is the parents who haven't been involved in intense physical activity themselves who are misguided
and just push, push, push their kids seemingly until they make or break them. They don't get it that it has
to come from within and a happy stable peaceful home life is almost compulsory to bring out the best.
Thank you for a great resource and I highly recommend it for every swimming parent.
With kind regards
Peter
Victoria, Australia
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Hi Gary,
I have purchased ‘Swimming for Parents’ and found it to be a great book. I shared reading it with my husband. We also read parts of the book with our two sons and discussed many things. The book facilitated open and honest conversation; thoughts shape what we do, how we respond and engage ourselves.
The book has beautiful photos that reinforce the content- capturing special moments of love and support (that go beyond stopwatches, trophies, pb's and pennants).
Thanks
Lena
Parap, Northern Territory
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Hello Gary.
Congratulations, not only is ‘Swimming for Parents’ a wonderful service but is becoming a valuable reference book. Being relatively new to the world of junior squad swimming, your experienced insights would normally take time for parents to research themselves - thanks again, the book is like using a GPS.
Cheers
Claude & Sally |
Dear Gary,
I have to say that I thought ‘Swimming for Parents’ was a terrific read. At first glance, I thought that I am not really going to learn much here. I am certainly not a new parent to swimming but neither am I an ‘old’ one – well I might be in age but not in my experience as a ‘Swim Mum’. My son is 10 years old and has been swimming for a few years. When I continued to read it I realised what an invaluable book this is. I was particularly interested in the section on how we, as parents, measure our children’s successes. We NEVER expect anything from our son and he knows that we love him no matter what. However, as I quietly looked around our Club and others at the last Swimming Meet I kept my ears open and realised just how many parents tell their child how to swim the race and then, when they don’t come up to their parents expectations, they berate them – and in front of their friends. I find that VERY sad indeed. Interestingly enough, those parents did not buy the book!!!
I recommend this book to every swimming parent, especially those who have already had a few years involvement in the sport.
Simone
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Hi Gary,
Just wanted to drop you a line and say how impressed I am with your book. Like yourself I have been involved in high level swimming myself. I am now entering into the coaching role but also find myself in a parent’s role as well. I read your book with two perspectives, a parent and a coach.
Swimming and for that matter all sports could be enjoyed so much more for the athlete if parents took a step back and realised it's not about them. But also there are times when athletes will find it a chore and hard work because it is. A champion isn't made with a magic wand. It is pure hard work, determination and dedication from all areas.
This book you have written will hopefully guide parents in a way of helping the athlete, rather than the athlete feeling like they have to please the parent to feel loved.
Congratulations and good luck with the future of your book. You need to get it out there as a handbook for all new parents when they join at club level.
All the very best
Janelle Pallister (nee Elford)
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Hey Gary,
Thanks for the info on your new book. I have read a copy of your book and think it is fantastic!! It gives so much credence to everything coaches and clubs try to convey to the parents.
It is great that parents now have a resource. A great read, which I know all parents of the kids I coach will be reading.
Regards,
Brian Rodriquez
Head Coach
Mornington Peninsula Flyers Swimming Club Inc.
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Dear Gary,
Thank you for writing this book. All of the information was fantastic and I couldn't put it down.
I have three children who love to swim. They are 10, 8 and 4 years. The older two girls are in the local Swimming Club. Our club is a real family club with enthusiastic members and very supportive coaches. Your book has really helped me to understand how my kids may be feeling. One of my daughters has a deep passion for the sport and your book has helped my husband and me to understand how she is feeling and what she is going through.
Thank you again,
Leanne Sommers
Victoria, Australia |
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