Calm down and let them have fun.
As parents of young athletes, it’s important to remember that the experience of playing a sport is just as important as the competition itself. Make sure the experience matters more than the result! Learning the sport and teamwork matter!
When we focus too much on winning, we can put undue pressure on our children and take away from the joy of playing the sport. At 6u-12u friendships, moments and memories will last A LOT longer than a teams record. 97% of the athletes will not play beyond HS!
Instead, we should encourage our children to focus on the process of learning and improving their skills, rather than just the outcome of the game. Taking the skill sets that we practice alone and with the team into competition will have with development!
By focusing on the experience, we can help our children develop a love for the sport that will last a lifetime, and help them develop important life skills like teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience. The skill sets of LIFE!
So the next time you’re at a game or competition, remember to cheer on your child, but also take a step back and focus on the experience rather than just the outcome. Childhood disappears in a blink, BE PRESENT in their NOW!
Encourage your child to have fun, learn from their mistakes, and appreciate the opportunity to play the sport they love. By doing so, you’ll be helping your child develop not only as an athlete, but as a person as well. Thanks for listening!
The GOLDEN RULE: Disengage and Support Your Youth Sports Parents!