As a parent, you play an integral role in contributing to the needs and development of youngsters. Through your encouragement and good example, you can help assure that all the boys and girls learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. In youth sports, young people learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat - all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they have fun!
Here are some guidelines to help you in working with your own child and to help make youth sports a better experience for everyone.
Support Your Child Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important. Help your child work toward improving their skills and their good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are more important than victory - that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game!
Always Be Positive Parents are the primary role models for their children. Be aware of this and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good plays by your child's team as well as good plays by the opposing team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports activities.
Remember That Your Child Wants to Have Fun Remember that your child is the one playing, not you. It's very important to let children establish their own goals - to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them. Don't put too heavy a burden on your child to win games. 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winning team. Children play for the fun of playing.
Reinforce Positive Behavior Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your children achieve their goals and overcome their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes. If your child does make one, remember it's all part of learning, so encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.
Don't Be a Sideline Coach or Referee Coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child's youth sports experience a positive one. They need your support too. That means refraining from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. As a volunteer organization, there's usually an opportunity for you to take your interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one yourself!
