Being an Exemplary Youth Sport's Parent

Being an Exemplary Youth Sport's Parent - Part 2

- April 07, 2021

Here are seven strategies that parents can learn, to optimize their child's love and passion for their sport of choice.

1. Model Positive Behaviors

Be a positive role model for your child. Sports should be an extension of your familial values and behaviors, not a suspension of them. Try to be an encouraging parent. Refrain from banter about competitors, or loudly second-guessing the coach. The players and coaches are all trying their best, and all players develop at different times

2. See the Future, Enjoy the Present

Are you consistently looking towards the next level, the next team, the next season? If you are, you’re missing out on the most important game, the one being played today! If you’re not enjoying the present moment, your child will grow up before you realize it.

3. Encourage Healthy Risk Taking

Challenge you child to take risk, by saying, “I love how you really went for it out there on that one play. You didn’t get it, but I was so proud that you didn’t give up!” Strong, specific words of encouragement remind an athlete that it’s okay to take a risk and fail, so long as they did all they could to challenge themselves.

4. Celebrate the Competitor Above the Champion

The difference between losing and getting beaten, is mostly in the effort expended during competition. A competitor rarely loses; they get beaten most times. Losing should fuel an avid competitor to practice more, to get better in the future. Losing is not all bad. We can teach the child athlete to learn from their losses. In turn, they will become more resilient and competitive in the future.

5. Foster Independence by Allowing Your Athlete to Take Ownership

Goals and expectations are great tools if used properly. However, if your athlete is constantly trying to live up to your expectations it could lead to her believing your happiness depends on her performance. No matter if your athlete wins or loses, has a good day or bad, let them know how proud of them you are for trying their best.

6. Treat the Coach as an Ally, Not an Adversary.

You and the coach want the same thing; for your athlete to be successful. You won’t always agree with every decision the coach makes, your child may struggle at times, but try and give the coach time to develop your child how they see fit.

7. Encourage Academic Excellence

Very few elite athletes play beyond college. An education should always be prioritized as the number one agenda. We believe that an education is the most important thing your child can have. We will always push them to be their best on, and off the court.