People seem to think there is some deep secret to raising an Olympic athlete. It’s as if they believe everything we did was different. Not really. There certainly were many sacrifices. Most important, though, was having a strong family unit and support system.
In today’s busy world, it’s sometimes hard to put your loved ones first. With so many families having two working parents, poor economic times, people out of work or taking pay cuts, focusing on your family can be a real challenge. Fortunately, we never had to go without a paycheck, but we definitely did without a lot of material things.
My mantra to raising good kids is to always “make your family time more fun than your kids might have with their friends.” When your children are small, that isn’t as difficult as it might seem. (It sometimes confounded age-group coaches when swimming had to take a back seat to homework or a family commitment.)
How do you get your young athlete to eat well? Make them want to eat the good stuff. If they are picky eaters, create some kitchen time with them. Teach them to create visually colorful meals that they can actually prep by themselves with only your supervision. This empowers them to feel independent. If you start with healthy ingredients, you will be instilling good eating habits that will stay with them for a life time. Jerry Seinfeld’s wife, Jessica, wrote a book called Deceptively Delicious which you might enjoy.
You can also build fun and fitness into vacations. How about hiking, skiing, biking? Camping (which can involve all of those) was a favorite when our kids were young. You don’t have to be a “mountain man, or woman.” It’s amazing to sleep and cook under the stars. These are experiences they will cherish and pass along to their children. If you have another family you enjoy spending time with do it all together. Everyone will benefit.
Go biking or take an overnight bike trip (great for leg strength and aerobic fitness). Many states have safe off-road bike trails that meander through beautiful countryside. Lots of states are reclaiming abandoned railroad beds and turning them into safe bike & hike trails. Build an igloo, make snow angels, roast marshmellows in your backyard campfire. While you’re at it, try pitching a tent in your own yard and sleeping out. It’s fun and a little spooky. Your children probably won’t be scared because you are there protecting them from “bumps in the night.” You become their hero.
Also, be sure your young athlete is well-rounded. So many kids get burned out doing just one sport, especially if they started from a young age, and eventually quit. Remember your “sense of self-worth” shouldn’t be attached to their outcome. Involve your children in sports, music, art or volunteering. You will find a circle of friends for you and your children with common shared interests. The busier your children are with solid activities that you can be involved in, the easier it will be to keep them out of trouble.
As your children get older, during their teen years, they may want to spend more time with their friends than with you. This is normal. Know your children’s friends. Just as important, know their parents. Call them. Do they share your family values? Do they know where their kids are and what they’re doing? Know what your kids are doing. My kids used to say, “mom, how do you always know what we’re doing? You must have eyes in the back of your head.” It takes a lot of vigilance.
I can only tell you, I believe you can be friends with your children as they get older and become young adults. That, despite some of the tiffs you may have along the way. Just remember, your responsibility is to keep them safe and happy. And remember, sure a championship or even an Olympic medal would be great. Far more important, though, is raising a loving & kind person, a good citizen, someone who can contribute to society.
Diane 
