Parents of student athletes may feel like chauffeurs who take their children—and their teammates and equipment—to and from practice and games. But a parent’s role in youth sports doesn’t have to end on the sidelines.
Parents can ensure their children find enjoyment in sports by creating a climate that supports positive experiences and healthy fitness by emphasizing learning and mastery of skills instead of winning, according to the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports at Michigan State University in East Lansing.
Suggestions for Athletic Adolescent Activities
- Stress fun. Find out what that means for your child, whether it’s kicking the ball farther or beating a personal record.
- Encourage sportsmanship by treating coaches, athletes and game officials with respect.
- Keep expectations in check. Have realistic expectations about what your child can accomplish.
Still, despite parents’ best intentions sometimes children decide they don’t want to continue participating in a particular sport. Some may resist activities they once loved, leaving parents feeling like they’re dragging their children to class or to practice.
Sport's Fitness for Children: When to Call it Quits
The rule of thumb is to keep going if the child goes into an activity with a frown but comes out with a smile. But it may be time to stop-–or at least take a break-–if the child started out with enthusiasm but ended up not wanting to participate in the activity.