Promoting Healthy, Enjoyable, and Balanced Swimming
At HBPB Swimming, we know that sport should be about more than results — it’s about helping young people enjoy the journey, grow their skills, and develop habits that last a lifetime. That’s why we champion the Balance is Better initiative, which encourages everyone involved — parents, coaches, and clubs — to put wellbeing at the heart of sport.
What Balance is Better Means for Parents
Parents are key to helping children enjoy sport without feeling pressured or overwhelmed. Balance is Better encourages families to:
Focus on Wellbeing: Celebrate your child’s enjoyment, confidence, and progress, not just their performance or medals.
Encourage Variety: Support participation in multiple sports or activities to build diverse skills and prevent fatigue or burnout.
Keep Pressure Positive: Highlight effort, persistence, and personal growth rather than outcomes alone.
Lead by Example: Demonstrate balanced habits in life — healthy eating, adequate rest, and time for fun outside sport.
By supporting balance, parents help their children remain motivated, resilient, and happy in sport — creating a foundation for lifelong participation.
The Role of Coaches
Coaches play a crucial part in creating a positive, sustainable sporting experience. With Balance is Better, coaches:
Prioritise Athlete Wellbeing: Plan training programs that are appropriate for age and ability, focusing on both physical and mental health.
Encourage Learning and Growth: Emphasise skill development, personal improvement, and enjoyment, not just competition results.
Create an Inclusive Environment: Make every swimmer feel welcome and valued, fostering a positive team culture.
Support Rest and Recovery: Recognise the importance of downtime, cross-training, and avoiding burnout to maintain long-term engagement.
When parents and coaches adopt the Balance is Better approach together, young swimmers develop confidence, sustain their enthusiasm, and cultivate a lifelong love of swimming.
Getting Involved
We invite all our clubs, families, and volunteers to embrace the principles of Balance is Better, helping HBPB Swimming become a place where swimming is safe, fun, and rewarding for every child.
Learn more: Balance is Better – Sport NZ
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