Patrick Cohn

Is Setting Goals Too Much Pressure for Young Athletes?

Playing through adversity

Goal Setting in Youth Sports Do you feel frustrated when your young athletes seem to lack motivation and direction? Would helping sports kids set goals be helpful? If so, you’re not alone. We often hear from sports parents and coaches who want to better understand how to help motivate their … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Why Sports Parent Agonize about Pressuring Young Athletes

Help Athlete Cope with Bad calls

Parents Pressure in Youth Sports Here at the Ultimate Sports Parent and Kids’ Sports Psychology, we receive many letters from parents who are confused about how much they should pressure their kids. In fact, it’s not an overstatement to say they agonize about this topic… Agonize, you might ask? Yes. … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Sports Parents: Are Your Kids Reaping the Benefits From Sports?

Youth Sports Psychology

The Benefits of Youth Sports What are the extra and all-important benefits of sports for kids? That’s a question Dr. Steve Horan, an expert in community health improvement, asked himself after many years of being a coach and sports parent.  “As you look at the numbers, so many kids drop … Read Sport Psychology Tip

How To Motivate Your Young Athletes Without Pressuring Them

The Power of Pregame Visualization

Kids’ Motivation in Sports Your sports kids may show a fair amount of talent, but are seemingly not interested in meeting their potential. Many sports parents want to know how to motivate their kids, yet not pressure them. You’re unsure how much time you should spend reminding your kids that they … Read Sport Psychology Tip

8 Confidence Busters for Sports Kids You Should Know

Youth Sports Psychology

Confidence Busters in Youth Sports Sports, at any level, are a game of confidence. Kids who have tons of confidence usually will rise above the competition. Under pressure, these kids’ performance will thrive because of their strong belief in their ability. We receive many emails from concerned sports parents stating that … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Sports Kids Who Feel Pressure To Make Parents Happy

Building Confidence in Young Athletes

One important challenge for sports kids today is a phenomenon called social approval. Young athletes often worry too much about what others may or may not be thinking about them. Young athletes want other to hold them in high esteem: They want to be accepted, respected, or liked by others. … Read Sport Psychology Tip