This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/POWERADE. All opinions are my own.
How to Encourage and Support Your Young Athlete
No matter what we achieve in life, we all have one thing in common: we were once all ‘Just A Kid’ from somewhere. We all start out in the same place – as a young girl or boy filled with hopes and dreams. It’s how we as parents support and encourage those hopes and dreams that can make all the difference. As both a retired teacher and a stepmom to a young athlete I’ve learned the importance of supporting and encouraging our sons and daughters in the sports they play.
Most young athletes start out playing sports because they have fun. It’s when sports become work and overly important, that they lose interest and the joy of playing. As parents to those young athletes, our role is to motivate, support, and inspire our sons and daughters to do their very best. Whether you have a preschooler just learning about all the different sports or a school-aged dedicated athlete, here are 5 ways to encourage and support your young athlete:
1. Let Your Young Athlete Choose Their Sport
One of the most important things you can do is to encourage your young athlete to try to play any sport that he or she is interested in and enjoys. Provide as many choices as possible, and always keep in mind that just because you wanted to be, or were, or hero on the football field does not mean that sport will be the one they choose to play.
2. Treat Success and Failure the Same
Being involved in youth sports provides the opportunity to learn many valuable lessons, one of the most important of which is that winning is not everything. What matters the most is that they tried. That they went out there and made the effort and did their best. Never tell your athlete what he or she did wrong after a tough match. The last thing they want is your criticism as soon as they come off the field. Instead, be a source of strength and support. Praise them for trying. Focus on the great plays they made, and the effort they put forth. Help them accept that the only failure to avoid is the failure to try.
At the same time, don’t make excuses for the loss. Don’t blame the coach, the equipment, the other players, the referees or even the weather. All that does is teach non-accountability to young athletes. They will not learn to look at what they could have done differently, nor will they learn from their mistakes if they are taught to always blame others.
3. Help Them Learn from Their Mistakes
Speaking of mistakes, teach your young athlete how to learn from their mistakes. Help them realize that mistakes are actually a built-in part of sports – penalties, errors, fouls, etc. – that all athletes at all levels experience.
Instead of berating them or letting them berate themselves, make sure you compliment them on their courage and their willingness to try. Make it clear from the start that the most important thing is that they were willing to take the shot, not whether or not they made it. Remind them that mistakes (and disappointments) are an opportunity to learn and get better, as well as a chance to build important skills like determination and perseverance.determination and perseverance. You could also help them learn how to play the sport better if you get checked by CRB direct so you can help coach their team.
4. Model Good Sportsmanship
If you’ve been to enough youth sporting events, then you have most likely noticed that one parent who is yelling and hollering until they are red in the face, pacing back and forth, and trying to restrain themselves from running out onto the court. Don’t be that parent. If you become angry, nervous or frustrated, so will your athlete. In order for them to perform well, they need to be relaxed, loose, and focused on performance – not focused on how their parent is acting or reacting. Believe me, I understand how frustrating it can be to see your son or daughter sit on the bench the entire game, or watch them strike out. But just remember you are there to support them, and to encourage them to do their best. Any negative acting out will add unnecessary pressure and take away from the fun of the game. So relax, be interested and supportive, accepting and tolerant, and have fun!
5. Be Their Biggest Supporter
Along with modeling good sportsmanship, be your young athlete’s number one supporter. Support them when they are playing and when they are not, when they play well and when they make mistakes. I make a point of acknowledging my stepson’s participation and successes….even the smallest ones. In addition, listen to them when they need to be heard after a tough game or practice. Be empathetic and understanding. Most importantly, never criticize them or make them feel guilty about how they play.
In addition to supporting your son or daughter, support all of the players on the team. Make a point to stress how well the entire team played as opposed to one individual player. Doing this will help ensure that your young athlete understands that everyone contributed, regardless of whether they played a lot or just a little. Remember, teamwork is a great lesson to learn!
“Just A Kid” From Somewhere
Powerade also believes that with the right motivation and support the athletes in your life can realize their potential and one day be the athletes that they look up to. After all, every athlete starts in the same place, and was at one time “just a kid” from somewhere.
Powerade’s “Just a Kid” campaign recognizes and celebrates the positive impact sports have on our community. From now until April 4th, 2016, who purchases two 8-packs of 20 ounce Powerade at Walmart can submit their receipt and order a FREE custom “Just a Kid” reusable sports bottle!
How do you support your young athlete? Share your best tips with us below!