Perfectionistic Sports Kids
Sports parents, you don’t want to raise perfectionists in sports.
You may think that kids who have high expectations and want to get everything just right will be big winners.
But in sports, that’s generally not true.
Sure, perfectionists show up on time and work really hard. They’re always trying to perfect their skills. That’s the good news.
But when it comes time for competition, perfectionists often freeze up if they make a mistake. That means they often start playing to avoid mistakes.
And that can have negative consequences. Kids who play to avoid making mistakes don’t take the essential risks that allow them to grow and learn.
What’s more, they generally don’t perform up to their abilities.
As parents, you can help kids avoid the perfectionism trap by not pushing your sports kids to be “perfect.”
Don’t pick on their mistakes on the car ride home. Tell them it’s okay to make mistakes. Give them a few “out of jail” cards for making mistakes or goofing up. You want athletes to learn from mistakes instead of lose confidence.
In fact, if your kids—especially perfectionists—make mistakes during a game, establish a “flushing” ritual, recommends the Positive Coaching Alliance. That means give them a sign that tells them they should let go of the mistake and move on the the next play.
Related Articles on Kids’ Mental Game:
- Helping Young Athletes Kick Perfectionism and Fear of Failure
- Helping Kids See the Good and Bad of Perfectionism in Sports
- How To Overcome Perfectionism In Sports
*Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on iTunes
*Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on Spotify
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.
Call Us Today to Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Session.
Find Out How Your Athlete Can Benefit From One-on-One Mental Coaching!