Parents should be aware that the pressure and expectations of their children’s sports can turn a fun activity into a stress-inducing one.
Parents should be aware that the pressure and expectations of their children’s sports can turn a fun activity into a stress-inducing one. Organized sports are a great way for kids to stay active while learning important life skills like teamwork, time management, and perseverance. It’s possible for parents to participate in their children’s sports, but one pediatric psychologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham says that if parents focus too much on the outcome or mistakes made, sports can become stressful and less fun for the child. states that it is possible.
Dr. Margaret Canter, assistant professor of pediatrics, recommends three things parents and guardians should know to keep their kids enjoying sports.
Understand the importance of positivity
On the way to the car or on the drive home after practice, Kanter recommends parents focus on what went well and what improvements they’ve noticed, rather than fixes or talking about the negatives. .
“Coaches work with kids during practices and games, but if they want to work on something with kids outside of that time, that’s great too. Just praise their efforts. Please,” Canter said. “Praise them for the steps they take along the way so they can continue to reach their full potential. Focus your time and attention on what’s going well.”
Know when to give advice
Games are not a time for parents to coach. Many children get nervous when it comes to competition, but they don’t have to deal with the extra stress of listening to their parents or coaches during the competition or worrying that their parents will be disappointed in their performance. There is no.
“During games, leave the coaching to the coach and focus on cheering on your child and the team,” she says. “If you want to work together on your child’s sport, find time to practice before their next game or give advice at home.”
Dr. Margaret Cantor Know when kids need a break
In sports, there can be a lot of time between practice and games or performances. Knowing the signs of burnout can help parents protect their children from overscheduling. Indicators of burnout include:
Irritability, lack of sleep, conflicts in interpersonal relationships, decline in the quality of grades and academic work
“If your child is exhibiting any of these, it may mean they are checking in on how they are feeling and making sure they are taking care of everything they need to do,” Canter says. said. “That doesn’t mean you have to quit, but you might be able to change your schedule or work on schoolwork on the weekends to make sports and other responsibilities more manageable.”
Canter says the best predictor of success in track and field is continued participation. Sports should be fun and enjoyable for children, especially at a young age.
“Most kids who participate in sports don’t end up getting college scholarships or becoming professional athletes,” she says. “The goal of children participating in sports is to get physically active and learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and responsibility. Be a role model for your children. They will learn how you how you act, how you treat others, and what you say. It’s important to always keep that in mind.”
