Sports Kids Too Focused on Social Approval If your sports kids worry about what their friends, team mates, parents, coaches and friends’ friends think of their performance, they’re not alone. This is a common challenge for sports kids—and a big confidence buster. For example, they may worry that their coaches … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Help Sports Kids Improve Confidence When it comes to confidence, kids can be their own worst enemies. That’s because they hang onto thoughts that hurt their confidence and performance—not understanding, of course, that they’re undermining their experience in sports. For example, they may constantly berate themselves by telling themselves they’re … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Performing in The Zone in Youth Sports Did you know that kids can train their brains to get into the best possible zone for performing? Read on, and you’ll get some fascinating tips from Dr. Diane Stoler, a neuropsychologist and author. There are a number of ways to change brain … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Making The Most Out of Losses How can you teach your kids to make the most out of losses? Lots of ways, says Frank J. Sileo, Ph.D, a psychologist with more than 16 years’ experience working with kids and families, and the author of “Sally Sore Loser: A Story about Winning … Read Sport Psychology Tip
In a recent survey of more than 700 sports parents and youth coaches, 40% of respondents told us that their kids struggle with doubts and negative thoughts about their performance. In addition, 70% of sports parents reported that their biggest challenge is understanding how to help their kids get the most out of their talents without pressuring their sports kids.
Building Confidence in Young Athletes How can parents and coaches fill a young athlete’s “emotional tank?” Coaches need to praise kids five times before they provide one piece of constructive criticism, says David Jacobson, a spokesman for the Positive Coaching Alliance, based at Stanford University. “We liken a child’s emotional … Read Sport Psychology Tip