Top 9 "Must Haves" For Kids In Sports To Be Successful
Channel: Mental Toughness Trainer
Date: 2012-05-16

http://www.mentaltoughnesstrainer.com

Top 9 "Must Haves" For Kids In Sports To Be Successful 

As parents and coaches there are some simple, but critical things you can do for your kids in sports that will make a huge difference in their happiness and success in playing their sport.

1. Encouragement 
I put encouragement first, because this is by far the most important need of any kids in sports.  The problems start when parents and coaches give praise only after good performances and call that encouragement. All that does is give the child the idea that your acceptance and approval is dependent on a good performance. What parents need to do is simply express their joy and excitement about watching their athlete play their sport.  
2. It's NOT about the winning 
First question to ask yourself is, "why do you want your kid to play sports?"  Most parents and coaches agree it is for them to have fun and build life skills.   Your kids can accomplish these two things whether they win or not. 
3. Good nutrition
Your kids are out there moving their body and sweating.  It is extremely important to keep them hydrated with water, not those florescent sports drinks.  Also avoiding sugary snacks that spike their blood sugar then bring them crashing down.
4. Sleep well
It's very easy for parents of kids playing sports to ignore this, because there is "only so many hours in a day" and they also have homework, family chores, etc. They need wind down time at night and a regular bedtime schedule.
5. Acceptance among peers
This is a biggie. While you can't make all of your kid's friends like him, you CAN check in to find out how he is fitting in with his team or group.  Bullying is also prevalent in youth sports and there should be a no tolerance policy on  your kids team.  It is a big reason why kids quit sports.  
6. Respect their opinion 
Just because you played or know something about your kid's sport, does not mean YOU know the best way to help him become a better player.  You know you are on the wrong track with helping your kid, when you think to yourself "Well, it worked for me."  

In my free ebook, "The 10 Commandments For A Great Sports Parent," I teach parents a number of effective ways to giving advice. It starts with asking permission and respecting "no." If you go past that, you are only hurting your relationship and ultimately his confidence and performance. 
7. To be taught and shown physical skills 
There are approximately 3 million youth sports coaches out there and less than 20% of coaches have any training to be a coach.  85% of all coaches are the parent of one of the players.  In other words, do not assume they are getting good skill instruction.  It's up to you to make sure this is happening.  

Take a keen interest in what your child is learning by asking them about their latest skill.  Really be present in these conversations and ask open-ended questions to keep it going.  When some kids get the personal instruction and others don't, it creates a formula for destroying confidence. 
8.  To have mental skills modeled and explained 
My definition of mental toughness is when you are focused, confident, determined, and resilient...especially under pressure.  We have an 8-step program in our Mental Toughness Academy to help your child develop these mental skills.  

It's your job though to model them.  For example, if you want your child to learn sportsmanship, you'd better be a great sport from the stands by clapping at appropriate times for the other competitors and keeping quiet when there are bad officials calls.  
If you want your kid to be calm under pressure, show him how to do that at home. 
This is the most powerful way that kids learn anything. 
9.  Advocate for them 
Most youth sports programs are well run. Most coaches are well intentioned. Unfortunately, sometimes things fall apart and it is the parent's job to step in or pull the plug when the young athlete's sports participation is tilting to the negative.   Always remember, when approaching the coach, to present your concerns with the utmost respect for another human being who is doing their best. A fabulous technique that I've taught parents in confronting a coach or director is to use the "feedback sandwich." This means, you start out the conversation with praise, followed by your concern, and finishing up with more praise.  

Get the FREE ebook "The 10 Commandments To Being A Great Sports Parent" and guided visualization "Master The Pressure" .mp3 to help your athlete go to http://www.teenmentaltoughness.com