Parent involvement in high school sports can make focusing on the fun aspects trickier, especially as the stakes get higher, the games get more competitive, and the opportunities involved in the experience - like college scholarships, for example - become more prevalent.
Read MoreA parent's attitude, perspective, and decisions play a critical role in their children's athletic development. The proper parental support may help a child have a positive, early sports experience that will inspire them to continue engaging in sports with enthusiasm. So, what is positive parent behavior in sports?
Read MoreParents should never underestimate the importance of their role as a resource for their child. Without us, our children most likely wouldn’t be able to participate in sports. With this in mind, let’s explore some resources that can help you be the best sports parent possible, so you can bring out the best in your young athlete, too.
Read MoreWhether we realize it or not, as parents, we will play some of the biggest roles in our young athletes' lives. Our actions and behaviors will influence and dictate their athletic experience in numerous ways. Before we can truly get into positive parent behavior in sports or negative parental involvement in sports, it is important to fully understand the roles we play as parents.
Read MoreGreat sports parents recognize the important influence their own behavior has on their kid's sports experience. That means intentionally calibrating your perspective and your attitude. Decide who it is you're going to be - even in those moments of challenge or difficulty - before you ever set foot in the bleachers or on the field.
Read MoreSo how can we support our kids and challenge them to reach their full potential while still being a positive part of their sports journey? The key is to find the balance in your passion for your athlete. Put aside your own desires, and remember that it is about their enjoyment and their development in the end.
Read MoreAs a sports parent you spend an enormous amount of effort encouraging your child, building their confidence, and teaching them how to persevere even in the face of adversity or failure. The beneficial impacts of this encouragement cannot be understated.
Read MoreMaking a point to check in with your child on a regular basis is extremely important when it comes to getting them involved in a youth sports program. A child may not always be forthcoming about difficulties they are experiencing with their extracurricular activities.
Read MoreTo really make an impact here, we need to move beyond the question of “Are parents pushing their kids too hard in sports?” and instead start discussing what we can do about it.
Read MoreWe think being a positive role model for your kids is incredibly important. Our child's athletic success starts, of course, with the mindsets and behaviors we model, and the example we choose to set. We will touch on that more throughout.
Read MoreParents can play many different roles when it comes to supporting their children and exhibiting positive parent behavior in sports. In this section we will identify a few of the positive roles sports parents can take on, and explain why these roles are beneficial to creating a healthy environment for young athletes.
Read MoreThere have also been significant changes to our youth sports culture that have made doing just that harder than ever. Youth sports have become a big business.
Read MoreThere are many reasons why our kids may eventually quit playing. As parents, we shouldn’t be one of them. Take a step back and remember that playing the game was meant to be fun, and that this experience was meant to strengthen - not weaken - the relationship you have with your child. As a sports parent, you are a leader in the life of your young athlete. They cannot become their best without you.
Read MoreEach parent is different, and what motivates them is unique to their own priorities and experiences, so pinpointing the reason behind negative sports parenting behavior isn’t universal. But it is safe to say that more often than not, the root of unhealthy parental pressure is usually more about the parent than it is the child.
Read MoreWe should all recognize the incredible power of sports as a teaching tool for life. The game has so many valuable lessons to teach and so many winning skills to build, if we use it the right way. At the same time, we’ve all heard the horror stories of parents that take youth sports too seriously, that lose sight of what’s really important and that miss out on the great opportunity the game provides.
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