HOW TO BE THE BEST PARENT POSSIBLE, TO YOUR STUDENT ATHLETE

Sep 30, 2022 | TAGGED PARENTING

We’ve all heard about (or have seen) the overbearing parent who shouts too loudly at games, bullies the coach to play their child more, and every once in a while gets ejected from the game. The National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) even has a program for parents whose members make a pledge to, “Bench irrational behavior in youth sports.”

So, whether your child is extremely good at his or her sport, or still struggling to do the basics, here are five tips on being a good role model and helping your child to make the most of his or her playing experience:

1. Focus on the fun of the sport:

Through trials and tribulations (repition) is the basis of how we learn everything. We have to make some mistakes along the way, in order to learn how to do things the right way.

You want to try not to rate your child’s performance based on others. This will introduce a sense of doubt or shame when your child make mistakes. This may cause them to lose a sense of fun. Always ask first, “Did you have fun?” Let them know that having fun is what’s most important.

2. Emphasize learning

There is so much to learn from team sports. Children will learn how they fit into a group, what their strengths are, and yes, even their weaknesses. And of course, they will learn the physical skills they need to play the game.

When teaching, you highlight what your child did well. Then employ the “ask-tell-ask” model of teaching. First, ask your child what he or she is struggling with. Then, make an observation about one or two things they could improve on. Finally, have your child tell you what he or she can do to improve in these areas. Always, praise your child for the things that they are doing right.

3. Remember safety:

With every sport comes the potential for injury. Student athletes are running, jumping, throwing, kicking and colliding with each other from time to time. A huge part of playing sports is about experiencing the physicality of movement, while becoming more coordinated.

4. Be patient with your child:

Everything in life takes time to learn. We get better with practice, and some things come more naturally than others. Parents say some of the most gratifying experiences they have when watching their child play a sport, is when they make a great play, or do something new that they have never been able to do before.

Celebrate the little victories as well as the big ones just the same. Your child will build off of each new skill he or she learns. Ultimately, they will learn to have resilience in the face of adversity.

5. Volunteer to help the team:

Volunteer your own services when you can. Bring or bake something for the team’s bake sale. Sell raffle tickets at the games. If you can, volunteer as an assistant coach or help to manage equipment or uniforms. You will be performing a needed service for your child’s team, and you’ll get to know more parents. This will also teach Student-athletesyour child the value of helping out.

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