Youth sports psychology articles and strategies for sports parents of young athletes to improve mental game and performance.
How Parents Can Help Sports Kids Stay Safe It’s hard to read the stories about members of the USA Gymnastics Team being harassed and abused by the team’s doctor. And it’s easy to worry about such dangers. Kids who are bullied, abused or harassed as sports kids can suffer throughout … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Identifying Focus Issues in Young Athletes A sports parent writes: “My child gets fouled a lot, when the referee fails to make a call, or when it builds through a game, he sometimes loses control. This is usually anger boiling over. Also, when an opposing player talks to him (taunts) … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Helping Sports Kids Overcome the Fear of Making Mistakes A sports parent asks: “My daughter is 13 years old and is currently playing basketball. She is very athletic and has natural abilities but just doesn’t know it or use it. Her confidence level is not there. She gets in a … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Helping Kids Focus on The Process Instead of Outcome A young athlete writes: “I want to quit wrestling because I have too much anxiety with the pain and my failure. I have found other hobbies like lifting by myself or with a friend. I just don’t like wrestling and I … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Helping Young Athletes Define Their Self-Concept A sports parent asks: “How do I help my child be more focused on his role on the team and not so worried about disappointing his teammates and others?” It’s common for sports kids to worry about disappointing others. Kids often seek social approval, … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Helping Young Athletes Move on After Mistakes A sport parent asks: “My kids keep hearing that they are supposed to aim for a game without mistakes, but to expect that mistakes are going to happen nonetheless. They ask me if it is possible though, to actually have a game with … Read Sport Psychology Tip