Sports are an important part of a child’s development. Sports teach kids valuable life lessons, such as teamwork and sportsmanship. They also help keep kids active and healthy. Sports can also be a frustrating activity and difficult for kids to navigate. There are a few things parents can do to help ensure a healthy and happy sporting environment.
1. Model appropriate behavior: No one likes the parent who is always yelling from the stands. It makes the atmosphere uncomfortable for everyone. The child of that parent will probably be embarassed and get down on themselves. It also teaches kids bad habits. Would you want your kid to do that? Do you want your kid to yell at the referees, coaches, other players? Of course not. So parents shouldn’t do it either. This isn’t professional sports. It is suppose to be fun and enjoyable for everyone. Cheer for your kids team, be courteous to the opponent, and volunteer to help out with team activities. Engage in respectful, responsible behavior and always maintain a positive attitude.
2. Teach sportsmanship: Don’t just rely on the coach. Sportsmanship starts at home. Teach your kids that winning isn’t the only goal. After a game, ask your kid who well he or she performed or if your child had fun before asking did the team win or lose. Demonstrate how a child should respond in both winning and losing situations. When you play a game at home, compliment your child when he or she wins by saying, “Congratulations” or “Good game,” and have your child do the same when you win. Teach your kids good sportsmanship techniques, such as helping up an opponent when they get hurt or shaking hands after a game. Encourage your child to always give 100% effort and to be a team player.
3. Build up confidence: Build up children’s confidence by praising them when they do something well in a game or practice. Focus on the positives. Never belittle your child. Keep encouraging them to try and try harder and compliment them frequently.
4. Keep up lines of communication with the coach: Talk to the coach about keeping the team atmosphere positive and teaching the kids about sportsmanship. If ever there is a problem that you need to discuss with the coach, do it in a respectful and cooperative manner. You are your child’s only advocate so do not let issues linger, but be courteous in the way you approach the coach because the coach has to put the needs of the team above the needs of the individual. Don’t use an accusatory or angry tone of voice. Ask questions to demonstrate that you are open for a discussion. Do not be overly emotional and allow some cool down time after games before talking to coaches about things such as playing time. Maintain a calm and relaxed demeanor. Listen to what the coach has to say, and be prepared to compromise.
Image by slooby2 on Flickr Creative Commons.
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