Approaching Athletic Development & Competition in Children Ages 7-10 (Skills & Mini Milestones) with Chandler Lewis

How can you support your child’s “golden age” of growth without pushing too far, too soon?

Between the ages of seven and ten, something amazing happens: kids stop just playing sports and start learning how to compete. In this episode of Inside the Wave, Perry Wirth sits down with returning guest Chandler Lewis, swim coach and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, for Part 2 of their youth development series. Together they explore what really happens when coordination, focus, and confidence all start to click — and how parents can nurture it without the pressure.

You’ll learn how to:
• Recognize the key PIES shifts (Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Social) at this stage
• Keep motivation strong without overtraining or burnout
• Turn early competition into a tool for confidence and growth
• Balance discipline with fun during practice and meets
• Use “process praise” to build intrinsic motivation that lasts

Chandler combines years of experience coaching athletes from first lessons to NCAA hopefuls with expertise in mental performance, helping kids (and their parents) enjoy the process as much as the progress.

Whether you’re on the pool deck or sidelines, this episode helps you turn your child’s golden age of growth into a foundation for confidence, coordination, and lifelong joy in sport.

Connect with Chandler:
Swim Program: Clewis@wsacltd.org
Sports Psychology: championshipmind.com | Chandler@championshipmind.com

Stay tuned for more conversations that go beyond the mats.