Letting Go of Sports Kids During Practice and Competition
Sports parents need to release their young athletes to the game. That’s the word from H. Rothenberg, who has run a basketball program for 20 years and is the owner of Triple C Camp, Charlottesville, Va. What exactly does he mean by this and how can this improve your kids’ success in sports? Read on. When sports kids approach middle school, and sports become more competitive, it’s time for parents to take a step back and let go of their children,... [Read More...]
When Talented Kids with Bad Attitudes Get More Playing Time
One of our readers recently asked a great question: Why do hard-working, less talented kids generally get less playing time than the talented athletes who have not-so-great work ethics and attitudes? “My son plays ice hockey and is a goalie,” says our reader, a sports dad. “He is small but very hard working and admittedly less talented than the team’s other goalie but not greatly.” “The biggest difference between the two goalies... [Read More...]
When Coaches Yell, Insult and Intimidate Sports Kids
Have your sports kids ever had a coach who yelled at, insulted or intimidated them? If so, read on. We’ve got some tips—and warnings—for you about what we call “bully coaches.” First of all, our warning. Coaches who teach by being negative or intimidating can really hurt your kids’ confidence and enjoyment of sports. No, these coaches do NOT toughen up your young athletes, as they might insist. They don’t improve kids’ performance,... [Read More...]
Parent Communication with Sports Kids Who Lash Out
What exactly is going on in the minds of young athletes when they throw a bat after striking out, storm out of a gym after a loss, or cry when their team suffers a big upset? And how should you deal with this behavior? First of all, if you really want to understand the young athlete, don’t judge such behavior, says Gary Kramer, founder of Inner-Sports, which is an innovator in behavioral evaluation and coaching. Before parents and coaches react... [Read More...]
Helping Young Athletes Improve Composure in Sports
Youth Sports Psychology expert Dr. Patrick Cohn of Kids’ Sports Psychology explains why athletes become frustrated during competition and what coaches and parents can do about it. Help young athletes identify frustration-producing thoughts and modify them so your young athletes can reap the many benefits of improved composed during competition. Watch the first video in this series: How Young Athletes Become Frustrated in Sport: A... [Read More...]
