PARENTS AS PART OF THE TEAM

Take a look at the title of this discussion. It's not called "Parents As Assistant Coaches" or "Parents As Cheerleaders" or even "I Wanna Be Good At Sports Because My Mom or Dad Was."
It is estimated that 70% of kids who play organized youth sports quit by age 13. Of that 70%, most lose interest in the game, chose to follow other studies, or just plain tire of the routine.
Parents, do you want to know the very specific reasons kids get turned off by organized sports. Can you handle the truth?
Kids want to quit organized sports because. . .

-- they get lectured, criticized, or coached at home for their performances
-- they get constantly watched and judged by their parents during practice and games
-- they get talked to, or are constantly talked at about their sport
-- they get placed into upper levels when they're not yet ready
-- they aren't taught the larger life lessons of sports
-- they feel too much pressure with phrases like "This is a big game," or "There's a lot riding on this game"
-- they are taught winning is everything

These are just a few real reasons why talented young athletes end up resenting their sport. (Because kids will take it out on the sport rather than the parent.)
I want to present three suggested corrections for parents. I highly recommend adjusting your behavior according to these new rules of thumb:

#1. DO NOT GIVE STRATEGIC OR GAME-WORTHY ADVICE. That's why he/she has coaches.

#2. TALK ABOUT ALL THE OTHER THINGS GOING ON IN THEIR LIVES. Ask how he/she feels about those daily happenings. Veer away from sports specifics.

#3. STAY AWAY FROM THE FENCE! You all know what I mean. By not going to practices and games as much, you allow your child to mature on the field or court, without your supervision. Also, he/she will have more to talk to you about at home--and most significantly, he/she will talk in his/her voice. Do you realize the importance of that? They will retain the joy and excitement for the game, and you are allowing them that space.

Parents, while your child is practicing his/her sport, you practice these three new parenting approaches. It's win-win advice.

email: athletewhisperer@gmail.com