How to Help Your Child be a WINNER in Youth Sports and Life
- SUCCESS – As parents, we love to watch our children succeed. Even more important is watching them demonstrate their success with appreciation and humility. Help them understand that winning is the result of hard work and a good attitude. Be an example of good sportsmanship by not only teaching, but showing your child how to win gracefully by congratulating the opposing team’s great effort.
- FAILURE – In comparison, watching our children fail can be difficult. It is important that we help them understand that they are more than their performance in a single game. Teach them that failing is actually one of the best ways to learn and grow. With the right attitude, they will begin to see that losing a game or not playing their best can be a learning experience that will likely be more beneficial to their overall success.
- SUPPORT – Many of the sports children play are team sports. Being a great teammate is vital to the success of the team. Teach your children that being part of a team means building up and encouraging one another. Talk with your children about encouraging words they can use during games and practices and help them understand the role they can play in positively impacting the team.
- COACHABLE – There is very little a coach appreciates more than a player that is ready and willing to be coached. As parents, we must help our children understand that there are many different levels of achievement. Regardless of skill level, there is always something that can be learned or improved. Encourage your children to listen to and learn from their coaches on the best ways to achieve both individual and team success.
- DECISIONS – Decision-making is a skill even some adults struggle to master. However, to help children avoid over committing to different sports or teams, it may be necessary. Encourage your children to weigh the pros and cons of the options that are available, prioritize them, and then decide which one(s) they can take on successfully. Once they’ve made the decision and experience a positive result, they will feel empowered with making decisions in the future.