Parenting Youth Athletes

Promoting Healthy Competition

A family watching sports together.

Strike the Perfect Balance: Keeping Sports Fun While Fueling Competition

Set aside time every week for a fun “sports highlight reel” session where you and your child watch clips of their favorite athletes or teams. Encourage them to pick out not only the skills and techniques they admire but also the sportsmanship they display. This will help them see the enjoyment in the game and […]

Parents watching their son play football.

Fostering Fair Play: A Parent’s Role in Shaping Tomorrow’s Sports Leaders

Encourage your child to brainstorm a list of sportsmanship traits they admire in others. Then, pick one trait each week to focus on. Discuss how they can embody that trait during practices or games, making it a fun challenge. This will help instill a sense of fairness and respect, both on and off the field.

A family reading a book together.

Building a Winning Team: How to Unite Family and Sport for Your Young Athlete

Start a family book club focused on sports or personal development titles. Choose books that spark discussions about teamwork, resilience, or the importance of effort over outcome. As you read together, share insights and relate the lessons to your child’s experiences in their sport, fostering a supportive dialogue and reinforcing values that can enhance their […]

Father and son playing in the snow.

Embrace the Lessons of Loss: A Guide for Empowered Sports Parents

Schedule a fun “win or learn” night where you and your child review their performances, focusing on what they enjoyed and what lessons they can take away from any losses. Make it light-hearted and supportive, letting them express their feelings while you provide guidance and encouragement. This helps shift their perspective on setbacks and emphasizes […]

Family having a celebration at night.

Celebrate Milestones, Not Just Medals: A New Approach for Supportive Parents

Make it a tradition to have a monthly “celebration night” at home where you recognize all the milestones your child achieved, whether big or small. Set up a space where they can display their accomplishments, like a wall or bulletin board, and make it festive with treats or fun activities. This not only makes them […]