Why Setting Goals is So Important for Sports Kids
It’s a great idea to set goals for sports kids. Goal-setting helps improve kids’ motivation and commitment, helps them stay focused on what to accomplish, helps them assess their strengths and weaknesses, and track their performance. But who should do it–the parent, the young athlete, or the coach? And what do you as a sports parent do if you want your child to set goals, but the coach doesn’t focus on this issue? These are great questions... [Read More...]
Encouraging Sports Kids without Pressuring Them
Just how can sports parents encourage kids to take part in sports and support them—without pressuring them? That’s a good question, and the answers are not so obvious. Read on to get tips from Olympic fencer Tim Morehouse, who says his parents knew just how to support him as he grew into an Olympic athlete. “I was very fortunate,” he says. “My parents encouraged me to do different things that I loved.” The key, when kids are very young,... [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...]
Parents’ Role in Motivating Sports Kids
Sam, a Division III basketball player, says it’s hard for him to motivate himself unless his coaches are watching him and pushing him along. As a young athlete, Sam’s not alone. We hear from many parents who say that their kids of all ages have a hard time motivating themselves under certain circumstances. The bad news: Athletes who lack motivation don’t play up to their potential. The good news: There’s lots parents and coaches can do... [Read More...]
