A lot of factors
influence how a child feels about sports. Some kids just plain like sports more
than others. However, others start out loving sports but, sadly, get that love
and passion squelched by their parents, coaches, or trainers. These people have
a great impact on a child’s life and on a child’s relationship with sports, and
even the most well-meaning coaches, moms, dads, and other influential adults
can cause a child to lose confidence and love for a sport he once enjoyed.
Of course, the
opposite can also be true. Some parents and other adults are wonderful support
systems for young players. They help them not only to love the sport but also
to consistently improve and mature as players and as people. Obviously, you
want to be the good type of influence for the child in your life, not the bad
type, but how do you do that?
Well, to begin
with, learn to step back. It is not your job to micromanage every little thing
a child does, and being too much of a manager and too critical can actually
hinder a child, rather than help him. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t help a
young person improve or offer help when needed, but being overly critically and
demanding is a surefire way to suck all the fun out of sports.
You also never
want to put too much pressure on a child. Pressure isn’t always overt and
obvious either. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of getting too excited about
wins and too upset about losses. That sends a message to young athletes that
they have the power to seriously disappoint people who are counting on them,
making them scared of losing, and making a sport they once enjoyed and found a
fun a harrowing, stressful and nerve-wracking experience
Focus on letting
sports be a fun, beneficial thing for the child in your life, regardless of how
well he performs or the outcome of games. Sports are beneficial in and of
themselves, and as long as a child enjoys being a part of them, it doesn’t
matter how well he does. Encourage your player just to have fun; you can, of
course, encourage young athletes to try their best, but don’t push them too
hard.
Always be
supportive and listen to a young person’s thoughts, feelings, fears, and
frustrations with open ears and open arms. Take time out of your busy schedule
to practice with the child, to go to games, and to just generally be a
supportive, caring influence in his or her life.
Being there for a child is one of the best things you can do, and it
costs you nothing but your time. If you can be a supportive influence and
follow these simple tips, don’t be surprised when the child in your life soars,
develops confidence, and starts to seem a lot happier and healthier.
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