Kids in Sports

Redefining Winning for Young Athletes

Youth Sports Psychology

Changing Sports Kids’ Focus Young athletes want to feel like winners – whether or not they are always scoring and beating their opponents. Sports parents can help their kids feel good about their experiences simply by taking the focus off the win. David Jacobson, a spokesman for the Positive Coaching … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Helping Young Athletes Follow Their Dreams in Sports

When Athletes Worry About Being Judged

Dealing With Others Jealousy How do you help young athletes whose dreams in sports are undermined by others’ jealousy? In the case of Lela’s son, Frank, it’s a big challenge. Frank is a high school student and Olympic-caliber athlete in track. He is ranked nationally for his event and age group. … Read Sport Psychology Tip

When Positive Encouragement Backfires in Young Athletes

Youth Sports Psychology

How To Handle Positive Encouragement Hi, Dr. Cohn here from The Ultimate Sports Parent. This past weekend I took my 9-year-old daughter to play her 4th tennis tournament as a rookie. She played two matches total. She lost the first match, but stayed very composed. Afterward, I did everything by … Read Sport Psychology Tip

Sports Parents: Why Sports Kids Need Great Coaching

In a minute, we’re going to give you great tips from Dr. John McCarthy, director of Boston University’s Institute for Athletic Coach Education, who we interviewed recently.Dr. McCarthy has lots to tell you about youth coaches: why they’re so important in today’s society and what makes them a positive-or negative-influence … Read Sport Psychology Tip