Ask your parent about the reason for the stubbornness. Be sure to ask in a polite manner. You could try saying something like "I think I would be much less upset if you could let me know your side of the story. Why is it that you are saying no to this?" If this causes your parent to become angry, consider letting it go and moving on or trying again once your parent as calmed down. Sometimes it just isn't worth fighting even if you think you're right. If you assess that this is the case, then try apologizing. You don't have to lie and be sorry for disagreeing with your parent's opinion (which might well be legitimate), but you can still sincerely apologize for fighting with your parent. There are a number of ways to apologize:  I was angry and I shouldn't have called you that bad name, I'm sorry if I hurt you." I wasn't thinking about things from your perspective, I'm sorry for fighting with you." I'm really sorry about saying that mean thing." If you are in the middle of a fight and want it to end, try to slow down the tempo of the situation and your own reaction to it. You can do this by taking some deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose, counting to five, hold for two seconds and then exhale through your mouth. One way to end a fight is to leave the situation. Let both tempers dissipate by taking some time away from each other. Be sure to be polite when you excuse yourself from the conversation or it may backfire and escalate the fight.  For example, you could say "I think we will just keep fighting if I stay here, I'll have to excuse myself, let's try talking again later, please, once I'm more calmed down."  Avoid putting the blame on your stubborn parent or this may just cause him to dig his feet in more firmly as a defensive reaction to your accusations. A stubborn parent in a fight is more likely to be calmed down if you yourself remain calm. You will be more likely to end the fight if you stay cool headed rather than getting stubborn and upset yourself. Although it can be difficult to remain level-headed in a fight when you are likely upset, try your best. It may help if you don't fight on an empty stomach, when you are already feeling crummy and may have less self-control.
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One-sentence summary -- Assess the reason for the stubbornness. Apologize. Take slow deep breaths. Excuse yourself. Remain level-headed.


If you share a bed with your dog, it's important he sleeps through the night. This way, you'll both get a good nights sleep. One way to encourage your dog to sleep is to exercise him a few hours before bedtime. Take your dog for a walk in the late evening. Spend some time playing with him in the living room with his favorite toy. This way, your dog won't be wired when you turn off the lights. You are the highlight of your dog's life. He wants to be awake when you're awake and near you when you're sleeping. If you want to make sure your dog is getting enough sleep, stick to a regular sleep schedule. If you go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time each night, both you and your dog will have higher quality sleep. There will be less tossing and turning at night. Your dog may have difficulty sleeping if he needs to use the bathroom. Take your dog out right before you go to bed. If you go to bed late, you don't need to walk your dog around the block. Simply let him step out onto the sidewalk or backyard to have a quick pee. He'll be more comfortable when sleeping and more likely to fall asleep fast. Your dog may get thirsty during the night. However, drinking too much at night can put stress on his bladder. If he needs to go out, it'll be harder for him to sleep. You can put a few ice cubes in his dog bowl at night. If he gets thirsty, he can lick the ice cubes. This way, he's getting a little bit of water but not drinking enough to disrupt his sleep.
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One-sentence summary -- Exercise your dog around bedtime. Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Take your dog out right before bedtime. Leave ice cubes in your dog's bowl.


Your coaches should have a sheet with your events, or check your team website. The Trumbull Pisces website has a tab where you can look up your events, so see if your team does that too. When you figured out what you are swimming, relax. The next part will boost your confidence and calm your nerves. Having already thought about how to react quickly will help to calm you and reassure you that you're ready.   What will happen if my goggles fall off when I dive? - Relax for that. Just tighten the straps of your goggles. When you dive, tuck your chin to your neck. Therefore, the water will not apply direct pressure to the goggles, and they will stay on you.  What if I come in last place? - It happens. What you should know is that your coach entered you in the meet because he has faith and confidence that you can handle it. If swimming a 200 free, don't panic. If your coach believes you can do it, you should believe you can do it!  What if my time becomes worse? - To avoid that, give your races everything you've got. Every single ounce of energy left in you should show in that race. If you do come last, know that you tried hard and give yourself credit for that. Plan out your race. For anything 25-100 yards/meters, sprint! You don't need to pace yourself because it is a short distance. For 200 yards/meters and above, pace yourself. If swimming 200, your first 50 should have a strong pace. the second 50 should have a harder pull, and the third 50 should have a faster kick. The final 50 should be all out. Think about your times. Set a goal. If swimming a 50 free, imagine your time on the board being 35.99! If you believe it'll happen, it will happen. For a 200 free, pace yourself. First 50- 40 seconds. Second 50- 43 seconds. Third 50- 43 seconds. Fourth 50 - 41 seconds.
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One-sentence summary --
Know the events you are swimming. Think through answers to possible mishaps and false starts.