A Parent’s Role in Character Development
Winning the game is not the responsibility of the parent. Only the coach and athlete can control that outcome. However, the parent has a key role in forming the attitudes and life lessons that their child will take away from youth sports. Jim Thompson, Executive Director of the Positive Coaching Alliance, discussed this crucial task with Executive Editor TK Stohlman. Here is an excerpt of their discussion.
How to Help Your Player Stay Positive
When a child is learning a new sport it can be easy for them to become discouraged. Sometimes this can lead to negative thoughts and feelings. The following is an excerpt from a conversation between Executive Editor TK Stohlman and noted child and sports psychologist, author and motivational speaker Dr. Darrell Burnett on the topic of helping your child avoid negative self talk.
How to Be a Team Player
One of the key elements to team sports is the relationships of the team members. It is important to remember that the success of a team does not depend on one player, but rather the entire team dynamic. The following article provides critical ways to work together as a team.
Sports Heroes: Not Always the Best Role Models
It is easy for kids to admire professional athletes who stand out in their sport. This admiration often takes the form of “hero worship” and gives kids someone to mimic in their path to adulthood. Just like their heroes, most kids can easily see themselves making the winning score or receiving the praise and lifestyle that comes with success. Many parents encourage this behavior through buying jerseys and seeking autographs.
Good Attitude Is Key to Hockey Success
No one masters hockey. There is too much to learn and every game presents a new combination of challenges and opportunities. A positive attitude is essential to becoming a better player.
Learning Life Lessons: The Reason for Youth Sports
The chances of a child’s playing college- or professional-level sports are better than winning the lottery but not by much. Though the dream of playing professionally motivates many young players, parents should be clear that the goal of youth sports is about building better kids, not about building a career.
Should You Motivate by Paying for Results?
Kids begin playing sports to have fun, and fun is often all they need to continue playing well. Too many rewards actually undermines a player’s progress. Players will continue to play well because they love the game and enjoy the feeling of satisfaction that comes with improvement.
Winning Counts – But Know What We are Trying to Win
America prides itself on all forms of competition. Tracking wins and losses is an ingrained part of the nation’s character. This winning attitude should be carried over into youth sports. But, without understanding what it is we are trying to win, we run the risk of losing and losing big.
Winning Counts – But Know What We are Trying to Win
America prides itself on all forms of competition. Tracking wins and losses is an ingrained part of the nation’s character. This winning attitude should be carried over into youth sports. But, without understanding what it is we are trying to win, we run the risk of losing and losing big.
How Parents Make a Huge Impact: As Model Fans
Researchers cannot agree on whether competition helps children develop essential social skills, or if it does nothing more than cause conflict and discrimination. Some say that competition is part of human nature, something that is faced in everyday life. These scholars feel competition helps children learn skills that will be important throughout their lives.
