Sports parenting and youth sports psychology articles for sports parents of young athletes to improve mental game and performance in kids
How to Be a Supportive Sports Parent A sports parent asks: “How can I help my children really own their own sports experience?” Sports parents can sometimes forget that the sports experience should belong to their children. When parents are too intrusive, controlling, or over-involved, it undermines kids’ experience. Sports … Read Sport Psychology Tip
How to Help Sports Kids Be Self-Motivated A sports parent asks: “How can I help my son learn how to be self-motivated so that he can improve his tennis game?” Dan Coyle, the author of “The Talent Code,” argues that you have to help your children by cultivating their passion. … Read Sport Psychology Tip
What Should Sports Kids Eat on Game Day? There’s an important link between what kids eat and their confidence in sports, says Kimberly Lackey, founder of Empath Coaching. “When I think of confidence, I think of mood,” she says. “You want to keep kids away from food that might sap … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Helping Kids Experience The Benefits of Youth Sports “If your overriding goal for youth sports is a Division I scholarship, you need to rethink your priorities,” said Larry Stone, a sports parent for 27 years in a recent column that appeared in the Seattle Times. “First of all, it’s probably … Read Sport Psychology Tip
How Injuries Can Affect Self-Image Injuries and lack of rest are among the many confidence killers in youth sports, says Dr. Shawn Worthy, Metropolitan State University of Denver professor and clinical psychologist who specializes in sports and adolescent psychology. They can prompt kids to feel burned out and to quit … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Helping Sports Kids Feel Confidence Again After Injury Coming back from an injury can be one of the toughest mental obstacles for athletes at all stages. Tracy McGrady, seven- time NBA all-star, spent eight straight seasons scoring more than 24 points per game before fading out in a flash after … Read Sport Psychology Tip