{"id":1318,"date":"2011-08-04T14:18:12","date_gmt":"2011-08-04T14:18:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/?p=1318"},"modified":"2025-08-07T02:30:46","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T06:30:46","slug":"help-sports-kids-overcome-negative-thinking-in-sports-and-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/help-sports-kids-overcome-negative-thinking-in-sports-and-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Help Sports Kids Overcome Negative Thinking\u2014In Sports and Life"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/boosting-confidence-in-the-face-of-little-playing-time.jpg\" alt=\"Youth Sports Psychology\" class=\"wp-image-3814\" title=\"6\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/boosting-confidence-in-the-face-of-little-playing-time.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/01\/boosting-confidence-in-the-face-of-little-playing-time-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Applying_Sports_Confidence_to_Everyday_Life\"><\/span>Applying Sports Confidence to Everyday Life<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/help-sports-kids-overcome-negative-thinking-in-sports-and-life\/#Applying_Sports_Confidence_to_Everyday_Life\" >Applying Sports Confidence to Everyday Life<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/help-sports-kids-overcome-negative-thinking-in-sports-and-life\/#If_your_kids_struggle_with_doubt_or_negative_thinking_theyre_losing_valuable_confidence\" >If your kids struggle with doubt or negative thinking, they\u2019re losing valuable confidence.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/help-sports-kids-overcome-negative-thinking-in-sports-and-life\/#Here_are_just_some_of_our_secrets_for_helping_kids_stop_beating_themselves_up_mentally_with_doubt_and_negative_thinking\" >Here are just some of our secrets for helping kids stop beating themselves up mentally with doubt and negative thinking.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/help-sports-kids-overcome-negative-thinking-in-sports-and-life\/#Related_Articles_on_Kids_Mental_Game\" >Related Articles on Kids&#8217; Mental Game:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/help-sports-kids-overcome-negative-thinking-in-sports-and-life\/#Improve_Your_Mental_Game_From_Anywhere_In_The_World\" >Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>One of the biggest benefits to helping kids boost their <strong>confidence<\/strong> in sports is seeing kids transfer <strong>confidence<\/strong> they gain in sports to the rest of their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When kids lack <strong>confidence<\/strong> in sports, it holds back their enjoyment and performance. They play in fear of making mistakes and take fewer risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, they need the <strong>confidence<\/strong> to take risks, feel like they belong, and improve. That\u2019s what will ensure they learn, grow and <strong>excel\u2014mentally<\/strong> and physically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_your_kids_struggle_with_doubt_or_negative_thinking_theyre_losing_valuable_confidence\"><\/span>If your kids struggle with doubt or negative thinking, they\u2019re losing valuable confidence.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Says one sports parent, <em>\u201cIf (kids) are having these doubts about their performance when playing sports, they are likely to be experiencing doubts in other areas of their life as well. Consider how often they are quietly beating themselves up. The worst part is if there is no intervention, this self criticism continues into their adult life.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This sports parent is right on. But here\u2019s the good news. You can help your kids overcome negative thinking in sports&#8211;and it\u2019s likely to apply to other areas of their lives, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sports kids who tell themselves, <em>\u201cI just never get it right when I\u2019m passing to my team mate,\u201d<\/em> are also likely to tell themselves, <em>\u201cI always goof up on my math exams.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Here_are_just_some_of_our_secrets_for_helping_kids_stop_beating_themselves_up_mentally_with_doubt_and_negative_thinking\"><\/span>Here are just some of our secrets for helping kids stop beating themselves up mentally with doubt and negative thinking.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First of all, kids need to understand the ways in which they embrace negative thinking. This will require some introspection. You, as parents and coaches, should be able to help them how and when they beat themselves up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here are some examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>\u201cI always blow it when there are three seconds left in the game.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>\u201cI always miss my free-throw shots.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>\u201cI never play well against the huge guy with the orange headband and the big muscles.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, your sports kids need to replace doubt and negative thinking with statements that help them embrace a <strong>confident mindset.<\/strong> The idea is to help them learn to change the way they think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, your players&#8217; old doubt might be:<em> \u201cI never swim fast in this pool.\u201d<\/em> Ask them to replace this with:<em> &#8220;I&#8217;ve trained hard and I can swim fast in any pool.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We suggest replacing the kids&#8217; absolute thinking (never) statements that support their <strong>confidence<\/strong> in their ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Give it a try! But be <strong>patient.<\/strong> Your kids will need to practice changing doubts into statements of <strong>confidence.<\/strong> And there are not quick fixes&#8211;it takes time before they \u201cmaster\u201d it. Tell them to try this in both practice and games. While they\u2019re at it, they should try it at school and with friends!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"related-articles-on-hockey-mental-game\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Articles_on_Kids_Mental_Game\"><\/span>Related Articles on Kids&#8217; Mental Game:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/why-its-so-important-for-athletes-to-avoid-negative-thinking\/\"><strong>Why It\u2019s So Important for Athletes To Avoid Negative Thinking<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/helping-sports-kids-with-what-if-thinking\/\"><strong>Helping Sports Kids with \u201cWhat if\u201d Thinking\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/helping-sports-kids-who-call-themselves-negative-names\/\"><strong>Helping Sports Kids Who Call Themselves Negative Names<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"block-f49818fa-7c7a-4ee3-b5ee-66581aad2c71\">*Subscribe to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/sports-psychology-podcast-by-peaksports-com\/id152566009\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0on iTunes<br>*Subscribe to <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0ynyaalKxbnNmsoeL8gF5X?si=8224669de9b3435b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The Sports Psychology Podcast<\/strong><\/a> on Spotify<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Improve_Your_Mental_Game_From_Anywhere_In_The_World\"><\/span><strong>Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/mental-training-for-young-athletes.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6868\" style=\"width:138px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re certain that, as a parent,&nbsp;you want to help your child develop confidence and discipline in sports and life.&nbsp;And as a sports parent, you\u2019d love for your children to reach their potential in sports.&nbsp;But encouraging your child to <strong>strive for greatness without pressuring them<\/strong> can be a challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can get expert mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or phone call. With today\u2019s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.<\/strong><br><strong>Find Out How Your Athlete Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Applying Sports Confidence to Everyday Life One of the biggest benefits to helping kids boost their confidence in sports is seeing kids transfer confidence they gain in sports to the rest of their lives. When kids lack confidence in sports, it holds back their enjoyment and performance. They play in &#8230; <a title=\"Help Sports Kids Overcome Negative Thinking\u2014In Sports and Life\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/help-sports-kids-overcome-negative-thinking-in-sports-and-life\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Help Sports Kids Overcome Negative Thinking\u2014In Sports and Life\">Read Sport Psychology Tip<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3806,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[404,467],"class_list":["post-1318","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-youth-sports-psychology-blog","tag-kids-confidence-in-sports","tag-negative-thinking-in-sports"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1318","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1318"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1318\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3806"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1318"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1318"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.youthsportspsychology.com\/youth_sports_psychology_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1318"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}