Answer YES or NO to the following 10 questions.

  1. I maintain a "Fun is Number One" attitude in youth sports. 
  2. I treat officials, coaches, my kids, their teammates, & their opponents, with respect, avoiding put-downs, ridicule, or sarcasm. 
  3. I praise my kids, their teammates, and their opponents, just for participating, regardless of their athletic skills. 
  4. I remember to look for, and make a "big deal" out of positives with my kids, their teammates, and their opponents. 
  5. I remain calm when my kids or their teammates make a mistake, but instead, helping them learn from their it. 
  6. I remind my kids and their teammates not to get down on themselves when things don't go well in youth sports. 
  7. I try not to take myself too seriously when it comes to my involvement in youth sports, reminding myself that there is life beyond youth sports. 
  8. I remind myself and my kids to laugh and keep a sense of humor. 
  9. I emphasize teamwork in team sports with my kids, teaching them to think "we," instead of "me." 
  10. I teach my kids by giving them a good example of good sportsmanship: winning without gloating, and losing without complaining.

 Now, tally up your score. Which of these do you need to work on?
 

Adapted from the Parent's Checklist in Dr. Burnett's "Youth, Sports, & Self Esteem: A Guide for Parents." Dr. Burnett is a sport psychologist.