Boosting Confidence For a New Season
Parents, what’s the best way to prepare your kids for the new season in sports?
It’s not about asking your kids to go out and practice every day. It’s not about lecturing your kids about the value of hard work and practice.
It’s all about finding ways to boost their happiness and confidence in sports.
If you do this, your kids will hang in there for the long haul and enjoy the many emotional, social and physical benefits of playing youth sports.
You might begin by asking your kids to prepare a “sports confidence resume.” This means having your sports kids list all the personality traits, strengths and experiences that make them great players and team members.
They might include mental game skills, such as an ability to communicate with others, or physical skills such as the ability to run fast. They might also include moments that boosted their confidence-like the time they scored four three-pointers.
Kids should keep these resumes in an easily accessible place- perhaps your car. You want them to be able to pull out their resumes and review them before an important practice or game.
You want them to keep their strengths and victories in mind as they enter the new season- not their weaknesses and losses.
What’s more, there is lots you can do to prepare your kids for the new season.
You might commit to being an Ultimate Sports Parent.
That means giving them positive feedback instead of dwelling on their losses.
It means supporting the whole team from the sidelines- not just your child.
And it means supporting coaches, rather than criticizing or undermining them. If you think your child’s coach hurts your child’s confidence, you need to find another one!
In addition, keep a lookout for bullying in youth sports. Too many sports kids lose confidence and drop out after being bullied. Attend games, talk to other parents, keep an eye out for changes in your young athlete’s attitude about sports.
Want to learn more about how to prepare for the upcoming season and help your kids feel confident and happy?
Check out our program, “The Confident Sports Kid,” here:
The Confident Sports Kid Workbook and CD Program
It’s two programs in one, and includes a CD and manual for parents and coaches, plus a separate CD and workbook for young athletes. You’ll learn all about the things that bust kids’ confidence, and what you can do to deal with these confidence busters- high expectations, doubt, and worries about what others think- to name just a few.
Related Articles on Kids’ Mental Game:
- What Every Sports Parent Needs to Improve Kids’ Confidence
- How Archery Builds Confidence and Focus in Kids
- How This Sport Builds Confidence and Focus in Kids
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Improve Your Mental Game From Anywhere In The World
We’re certain that, as a parent, you want to help your child develop confidence and discipline in sports and life. And as a sports parent, you’d love for your children to reach their potential in sports. But encouraging your child to strive for greatness without pressuring them can be a challenge.
You can get expert mental coaching with us from anywhere. Meet with us via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or phone call. With today’s video technology, we are able to connect with athletes and coaches all over the globe.
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