In a survey we conducted at The Ultimate Sports Parent, more than 45% of sports parents and coaches said that their kids become easily frustrated or angry after making mistakes. They know kids struggle to let go of mistakes. As a parent or coach to young athletes, you must attempt to help them better cope with disappointment and setbacks. Kids who can't handle their frustration are more likely to … [Read more...]

A sports mom, “Alice,” recently made this confession: “I am guilty! I am a frustrated but well-meaning mother who has put pressure to perform on my children.” First, the good news: Alice realized she made a mistake. The bad news: Her young athlete has experienced a drop in confidence and is not enjoying sports. Why pressure hurts young athletes When parents and coaches pressure … [Read more...]

Parents and coaches contact us every day saying that their kids sometimes sabotage their own success. Why would your athletes do this? You might assume that the problem relates to a "fear of success." It could be fear of success, but that’s not likely. Fear of success does cause athletes to self-destruct. But fear of success is very rare compared to fear of failure in athletes. What is the … [Read more...]

Often, we hear from parents who worry about young athletes who are hard on themselves, become easily frustrated, and take disappointment home with them. You’re likely familiar with these types of athletes. They’re perfectionists or athletes who display perfectionistic behaviors. Perfectionistic athletes criticize themselves for making mistakes, often hold very high expectations for … [Read more...]

As youth sports psychology experts, we often work very closely with our students’ parents and coaches when we provide mental coaching for young athletes. Parents and coaches who are knowledgeable about “mental game” challenges and strategies are better equipped to instill confidence in young athletes. If you are a sports parent or coach, you'll want to learn how to improve your … [Read more...]

Sports parents have a big impact on their young superstars. A healthy and successful sports experience will depend on sports parents' ability to instill confidence and self-esteem in athletes. Read sports psychology expert, Dr. Patrick Cohn's view on how to make sports a successful and fun experience. Youth sports are huge in today’s society. Coaches and parents have a tremendous impact on … [Read more...]

Too often well-meaning parents live through their children and expect their kids to take on their own dreams and goals. As a youth soccer coach in Portland, Ore., Sue Mak confesses that she found herself too emotionally involved at times in her son's athletic experience. She often yelled if her son was in danger or if referees failed to watch for fouls, she says. "If someone would jump on my … [Read more...]

A number of factors can influence whether a young athlete lives up to his or her potential in sports. As a sports parent, Brad Tebbutt of Portland, Ore. faces a classic challenge: His 12-year-old son, Jordan, doesn't play basketball to the best of his abilities. A number of factors can influence whether a young athlete lives up to his or her potential in sports. In this case, Jordan's issue is … [Read more...]

Bob, a dad from Portland, Ore., faces a classic sports parenting dilemma: His 8-year-old daughter, Rachel, played soccer for one season, and now wants to drop out. She says it’s no fun for her because she’s not as experienced as the other girls, who’ve been playing since kindergarten. Bob wonders: Should he insist Rachel give soccer another try? Bob sees sports as a great opportunity for … [Read more...]

Pre-game rituals allow players to feel prepared. They help young athletes focus on execution and feel positive about their skills. Before he learned about the benefit of pre-game rituals, 12 year-old Tony could barely manage his jitters while he was heading to his basketball games. If his mother worried out loud about the size and strength of the opposing team's players, he became filled with … [Read more...]