Thou shalt not impose your ambitions on thy child. Remember that swimming is your child's activity. Improvements and progress occur at different rates for each individual. Don't judge your child's progress based on the performance of other athletes and don't push them based on what you think they should be doing. The nice thing about swimming is every person can strive to do their personal best

Thou shalt be supportive no matter what. There is only one question to ask your child - "Did you have fun?" If meets and practices are not fun, your child should not be forced to participate.

Thou shalt not coach your child. You have taken your child to a professional coach; do not undermine that coach by trying to coach your child on the side. Your job is to support, love and hug your child no matter what. You should not offer advice on technique or race strategy. That is not your area. This will only serve to confuse your child and prevent that swimmer / coach bond from forming.

Thou shalt only have positive things to say at a swimming meet. If you are going to show up at swimming meet, you should cheer and applaud, but never criticize your child or the coach.

Thou shalt acknowledge the child's fears. A first swimming meet, 500 free or 200 IM can be a stressful situation. It is totally appropriate for your child to be scared. Don't yell or belittle, just assure your child that the coach would not have suggested the event if your child was not ready to compete in it.

Thou shalt not criticize the officials. If you do not have the time or the desire to volunteer as an official, don't criticize those who are doing the best they can.

Honor thy child's coach. The bond between coach and swimmer is a special one, and one that contributes to your child's success as well as fun. Do not criticize the coach in the presence of your child; it will only serve to hurt your child's swimming.

Thou shalt not jump from team to team. The water isn't necessary bluer at the other teams pool. Every team has its internal problems, even teams that build champions. Children who switch from team to team are often ostracized for a long, long time by their teammates they leave behind. Often time's swimmers who do switch teams never do better than they did before they sought the bluer water.

Thy child shalt have goals besides winning. Giving an honest effort regardless of what the outcome is, is much more important than winning.

Thou shalt not expect thy child to become an Olympian. There are 225,000 athletes in the United States Swimming. There are only 52 spots available for the Olympic Team every four years. Your child's odds are 1 in 4,300.

Swimming teaches self-discipline and sportsmanship; it builds self-esteem and fitness; it provides lifelong friendships and much more. Swimming builds good people and you should be happy your child wants to participate.

*Ten Commandments are excerpts from the USA Parent's Handbook.