Encouraging Sports Kids
Bjorn, a 12-year-old hockey player, joined a AAA team after three years of playing hockey, and suddenly found himself surrounded by other athletes with 7 or 8 years’ experience, while he only had three years’ experience.
The other players didn’t pass to him and the coach initially didn’t let him on the ice for “penalty kills” because he wasn’t the fastest skater.
More than anything, Bjorn wanted to feel as if he was contributing to the team.
“In his mind he knew he could be good enough. He wanted the opportunity to prove himself…but wasn’t getting the chance,” says his mother, Audrey, who happens to be our sister.
When the other players didn’t pass to him, he started playing passively, she says.
“What’s the use in trying?” he asked.
But in no time, Bjorn’s situation turned around. Now, he’s one of the top scorers on his team, and the coaches look to him when they need goals scored.
How did this happen?
With lots of positive, patient support from his parents.
First of all, his parents expressed empathy when Bjorn was feeling down or tired. Rather than pressuring him, they encouraged him to rest. At the same time, they encouraged him to keep trying. They even gave him some tips for inviting kids to pass to him.
“We told him, ‘Talk to your peers. Say, ‘If you pass to me, I’ll pass to you.’ Communicate. Tap your stick to say you’re free,” says Audrey.
They also had his skates professionally sharpened, an event that led to a breakthrough.
“His skating took off and he was really moving on the ice,” Audrey says. “He was playing for his school, as well as the AAA team, and his skating took off. He started scoring goals on his school team. At the next game on his travel team, he won the game for his team. He felt like he was contributing to the win. He showed his coaches and peers he could really help out.”
Now, Bjorn is the go-to guy for scoring goals. Everyone looks at him differently.
This is a great example of how supporting a child’s mental game can boost confidence and help the child overcome adversity.
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Related Articles on Kids’ Mental Game:
- When Young Athletes Doubt Their Skills When Criticized
- Athletes Who Doubt Their Abilities Before Games
- Is a Strong Mental Game More Important Than Talent? Expert Opinion.
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