According to research in sports psychology, parents play an immensely important role in how their kids feel about and participate in sporting activities. Sport is one of the best ways to motivate children from ten years old to stay active. Activity that is encouraged in childhood is more likely to continue into adulthood and bestows a vital competency, physical literacy, on children starting from birth. Here are some ways you can support your kids in sports and set them up for a lifetime of healthy habits.
Your Attitude
Many parents make a big deal out of winning and losing. A child who keeps losing will soon become demotivated by this parental attitude. Remember that it takes time to build up skills, and just as some kids excel at math or music, others excel at sports. But most children go through a learning curve where not much progress is made in the beginning. With practice and perseverance, they get better, and then the game becomes easier. A wrong approach by the parent can cause the child to lose heart, become depressed, experience stress when it’s time to play, and even develop psychosomatic illnesses.
Winning or Losing is Okay
When a match is lost, the best response is, “maybe next time, and the most important part is that you showed up and did your best.” You should never withhold affection from a child when he/she doesn’t succeed. Teach the importance of practice but also teach children how to be good losers. Winners share certain characteristics that they carry for life. But these mindsets should be taught gradually, with patience. Start with one aspect, such as not being afraid to fail.
Purchasing and Maintaining Equipment
Many sports cannot be played without the parents investing in basic equipment. Doing so gives children pride in their appearance and kit, making it a great way to motivate them to get involved at school or in after-school activities. You can get kids’ training equipment for baseball and other sports to encourage them to play. Make sure sports clothes are always clean before practice and a game.
It is also important that parents spend time with their kids playing the game and practicing various skills. Modern sports equipment for children is designed to train them in certain competencies of the game.
Get Them Formally Trained
The best form of supporting your child in a sport is getting them admitted into an academy for formal training. There, they can develop their skills from basic to advanced levels under the guidance of experienced coaches and trainers. For instance, if your child is into volleyball or thinking to take up the sport, what better support you can provide than providing volleyball training. With proper guidance and instruction, your child can excel in their chosen sport and reach their full potential. Professional instruction can also help your child become more confident and motivated to work hard and make progress.
Teach Independence
A parent needs to learn to step back. Don’t take over the role of the coach, or your child will always expect you to step in for them. Wait until after the game to deal with bruised egos or offer suggestions. Of course, if the coach bullies your child constantly, you will have to approach him/her privately, and if this doesn’t work, take it up with the school principal.
Children should be taught to get their school and sports things ready themselves. Check in the beginning but don’t fetch the missing item. After doing this a few times, be prepared to let the child go to school without it. Younger children may struggle to remember everything, so be age-appropriate.
Allow your Child to Set the Goals
Not every child wants to excel at sports. Many want to play the game to join in with their friends and because it is fun without having aspirations of making a career out of it. Honor the goals your child has, and don’t impose your own. Be aware that goals may also change. Let your child choose between different options and only insist on sticking to that sport for a year.
Don’t put pressure on children to perform. Allow them to experience many different activities.
