He says he hates it. Truth is it really takes from the time he wants to spend just being with peers/hanging out. And it is hard work 3 days a week. He already plays other sports ect. He is especially gifted at swimming. We however, know the consequences of forcing him to participate may be too great.
2006-10-31 05:36:26 · 12 answers · asked by cnlegalnurse 1 in Sports ➔ Swimming & Diving
Being talented at swimming doesn't mean anything if he burns out, and he will if he hates it and still keeps going. But, giving up entirely might not be the right idea either. At his age, it would probably be a good idea to let him take a break. He is in other sports and he can focus on those for a while, and then in the spring you can ask him if he wants to come back for the summer season or not (he may miss it). Otherwise, maybe he'll re-discover his talent for swimming in high school. Even Olympic athletes have taken breaks, sometimes you just need one.
2006-11-01 07:22:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Everyone saying 'let him quit' is right.... But then again.... if he is really good at it... he might end up thanking you when he is older if you encourage him to continue.
I like the suggestion of giving him a break - does he have a break during the winter? If not, then let him have that time off. I would make him continue swimming through this season though.
There is another side to look at - Swimming, and all sporting activities help keep your child active, and keep them away from peer pressure, smoking, drugs, vandalism etc!!! Which is definately one big reason to encourage him to keep up with his activities.
2006-10-31 14:01:13 · answer #2 · answered by Wyverness 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, think about this. Imagine, bein ur son. Even if u were a start at some sport that u hated, would U really wanna continue with it? I would try tellin him to try to stick it out til a certain point, whether its christmas or the end of the season. Ik u said that he's good at it, but he wont get any better if he doesnt enjoy doin it. Good luck! I hope i helped!
2006-10-31 12:10:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you make him continue and his heart isn't in it, then who is he doing it for? At 12 years old, the expectation of winning is a hard thing to live up to. Especially if his other friends are just hanging out and being kids. He probably feels like he is missing out on all the fun they talk about because he is trying to make you proud of him. He really wants your approval, but also wants you to understand what he wants too. Maybe in a few years he will want to go back to competing again. Good Luck !!!!!
Happy Halloween !!!
2006-10-31 05:47:37 · answer #4 · answered by lisa46151 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he hates it he should quit. What is the point of doing something when you hate it. he may be an excellent swimmer in 5-10 years but at what price - no friends, no memories of childhood?? If he loved it that would be one thing but imagine being forced to do something you hate.
Rather have a happy well adjusted child than an unhappy child with no friends or social life.
Good luck with you decision!!
2006-10-31 05:41:42 · answer #5 · answered by Inky Pinky Ponky 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ive ben on the swim team for five years and one year I told my mom i hated it and wanted to quit.My mom gave me 3 weeks off and i was so happy to get back into the water after that. So maybe try a break because if his coach is anything like mine swimming is tough.
2006-10-31 09:34:11 · answer #6 · answered by Shelly C. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if he absolutly cant stand it then let him quit. i quit swimming when i was 13 and its the biggest regret i have ever had. swimming is a lifelong sport, keeps you in good shape, and lets you meet great new people. maby you shouldnt havr him be in such an intence level. there are other lesser days, right? have him try that. good luck and remember, he will thank you later in life. i still hate my mom for letting me drop out.
2006-10-31 08:16:15 · answer #7 · answered by licinia19 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if he hates it, don't force him to do it. my mother was a ballerina and a diver when she was young and was forced to continue with it until she was an adult. she never had time to do other things. as a result, she never pushed her own kids to do anything. if we wanted to quit something after trying one time, she would let us. i wish she had encouraged us to stick with stuff longer but let us make the decision after giving it a good try. three years is a good try.
2006-10-31 05:45:43 · answer #8 · answered by somebody's a mom!! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to let the kid make decisions for himself. It's a shame he wouldn't want to continue with such talent, but chances are the coach doesn't want him there either because his attitude and work ethic probably aren't the best because he doesn't want to be there.
2006-10-31 16:58:49 · answer #9 · answered by gotribe003 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, let him quit, after the season is finished. He needs to support the team. After that let him do what he wants.
2006-10-31 05:41:30 · answer #10 · answered by wish I were 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋