Learning to be a supportive sports parent for your child doesn’t require extra effort when you follow these simple tips for staying involved and encouraging.
Regardless of the season, the odds are you have children participating in some sport. Learning to best ways to be a supportive sports parent for your child helps both of you get through the grind of athletic endeavors in high spirits.
Quality Feedback
Children get more enjoyment from activities when they receive positive feedback from their parents. Rather than harp on the negatives and criticize what they did wrong, focus on the positives that made you proud. Admiring their effort and telling them they played a good game could help boost their mood, especially after a tough loss.
Another crucial factor in providing feedback is knowing when you can give it. Sometimes, children don’t want to hear your critiques or comments until they can decompress. You know how they are feeling from the general vibe, so that’s when you can interject. Also, make sure any criticisms are constructive, offering advice that can improve their game.
Stay Informed
Your kids might take an interest in a game or activity you know absolutely nothing about. While that can be frustrating for you initially, use it as an opportunity to learn the intricacies of their sport of choice.
Even if you have never swung a baseball or softball bat in your life, inform yourself of the best practices for choosing the right bat for them. You can follow the trends, learn some tips, find the best athleticwear, and dive deep into something you never knew about before. The learning opportunity will be a fun experience, and your kiddos will appreciate your dedication.
Don’t Live Vicariously Through Them
While investing your time in their interests is positive, living vicariously through them is not healthy for either party. Although you may have fallen short of your athletic aspirations, it doesn’t mean they need to compensate for it.
Give your child a break and let them enjoy what they are doing. If you become overbearing or demanding, they will lose interest quickly, ruining their initial joy in the activity. Emphasize their enjoyment over winning and individual success.
Always Be Supportive
The most important and easiest thing you can do is be supportive. There are varying degrees of involvement, but they will be appreciative as long as you have their back. Something as simple as a pat on the back may be enough for them to realize you’re there for them every step of the way.
Treating sports as your babysitter and excluding yourself from it will ultimately further the divide between each other. Go to the games, watch them practice, and do everything you can to show your pride.
Following this advice on how to be a supportive sports parent for your child allows them to find what they truly love and will enable you to build a strong mutual bond for years to come.
