How Parents Can Keep Kids in Sports
A parent asks, “How do you encourage participation during the drop out years of adolescence?”
Good question… As we have mentioned in the past, more than half of all young athletes drop out of sports by the age of 13.
How can parents help their kids stay in sports and not drop out?
You can do this by focusing as much as possible on the benefits of sports: physical exercise, social interaction, teamwork, and the opportunity to learn discipline and good sportsmanship. And do this starting at an early age.
Parents should take advantage of mental game strategies to help their kids enjoy sports and avoid burnout and dropping out…
For example, rather than focusing on the outcome or score, you should focus on the process. After a game, this may sound like, “I saw how hard you worked on defense out there!” or, “You really made your mark as a team player!”
It’s also a good idea to ensure your young athletes get enough rest, especially if they’re playing more than one sport. It’s easy for the two- and three-sport kids to burn out these days.
They may seem happy and engaged while they’re involved in all these activities, but at some point, they may suddenly drop out. You might even think twice about enrolling your children in travel teams, especially if they’re already playing on other teams.
Pressure—from parents, coaches and peers—is another factor that leads kids to drop out of sports. High expectations can turn into pressure for young athletes.
You can motivate your kids without pressuring them by helping them set manageable goals and helping them focus on the process. Again, rather than saying, “Go out and score 10 goals,” tell them, “Have fun out there!”
Parents sometimes pressure their kids inadvertently by saying things like, “Be the top scorer!” They believe they’re being supportive and positive, but this type of support can backfire and make kids feel like they have to score 10 goals.
Related Articles on Kids’ Mental Game:
- Addressing Outbursts in Youth Sports
- Why Sports Must be Fun for Young Athletes
- Motivates Kids to Play Sports and Stay Active
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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.
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