As a parent of a high school athlete, I don’t think that there is a person who wants your child to succeed in the athletic process more than you do. We (parents, family members and coaches) have invested many years preparing our children via character building, academic support and physical training. You’ve worked hard to prepare your student-athlete for this moment. Even the most well-intentioned parent can make one of several common mistakes. Here’s hoping these tips will enable all that hard work not be wasted.
• It’s your child’s time to shine
It’s your child’s time to shine. Make sure they know you’re there to support them. Yelling at coaches (or kids) including your own child during or after the game will only hurt your child’s confidence, turn their friends away and make you an unwelcome parent at the games. There is a time and place to offer constructive criticism and it is not during a game or in public.
• Fun vs. pros
Your sons and daughters are not professional athletes and studies have shown that most high school athletes will end their athletic career in high school. So let them enjoy their time out on the field as much as possible. Youth athletics are supposed to instill a love of the game and basic life skills. Making mistakes are a part of learning.
• Coaches are here to help our kids
The coach's hat changes depending on the situation. The coach is a trainer, instructor, mentor, parent, friend, confidant and the disciplinary person of the entire team. The coaches probably prefer that parents not yell at them or attempt to co-coach. Let’s plan to give our coaches as much support as they offer our children and families. My suggestion would be to send an email with questions and or concerns or schedule a meeting. Their time is very valuable.
• If at first they don't succeed, keep trying!
All parents dream that their children either follow in their athletic footsteps or be the athlete they could not. If your child enjoys playing a sport then you have won! It’s important that children try many different sports before settling on the one or two they enjoy most. Studies have shown that most college and professional athletes were multi-sport athletes. So no worries if your young athlete hasn't figured it out yet, they've got time.
• Stay involved
Although your teen might annoy you with his/her actions while on the field of play, your presence is valued on some level. It is important that we parents be involved in our child's athletic careers on some physical level. They need to know that we fully support their athletic commitment. Being involved is also a great way to bond with your child. Any parent of a high school student knows that connecting with your teenager can get tricky and for every step forward we take two steps back by not being involved in their lives. Let's make these years as enjoyable as possible. Sports are fun and these are the last years they will get to play just for the love of the game, let’s make the best of it!
Let’s work together to keep parents and teens informed with nutrition, athletic and fitness tips. Thank you for your support. GO Bearcats!
Marie George
Nutrition coach, Personal trainer and special needs teaching support
[email protected]
• It’s your child’s time to shine
It’s your child’s time to shine. Make sure they know you’re there to support them. Yelling at coaches (or kids) including your own child during or after the game will only hurt your child’s confidence, turn their friends away and make you an unwelcome parent at the games. There is a time and place to offer constructive criticism and it is not during a game or in public.
• Fun vs. pros
Your sons and daughters are not professional athletes and studies have shown that most high school athletes will end their athletic career in high school. So let them enjoy their time out on the field as much as possible. Youth athletics are supposed to instill a love of the game and basic life skills. Making mistakes are a part of learning.
• Coaches are here to help our kids
The coach's hat changes depending on the situation. The coach is a trainer, instructor, mentor, parent, friend, confidant and the disciplinary person of the entire team. The coaches probably prefer that parents not yell at them or attempt to co-coach. Let’s plan to give our coaches as much support as they offer our children and families. My suggestion would be to send an email with questions and or concerns or schedule a meeting. Their time is very valuable.
• If at first they don't succeed, keep trying!
All parents dream that their children either follow in their athletic footsteps or be the athlete they could not. If your child enjoys playing a sport then you have won! It’s important that children try many different sports before settling on the one or two they enjoy most. Studies have shown that most college and professional athletes were multi-sport athletes. So no worries if your young athlete hasn't figured it out yet, they've got time.
• Stay involved
Although your teen might annoy you with his/her actions while on the field of play, your presence is valued on some level. It is important that we parents be involved in our child's athletic careers on some physical level. They need to know that we fully support their athletic commitment. Being involved is also a great way to bond with your child. Any parent of a high school student knows that connecting with your teenager can get tricky and for every step forward we take two steps back by not being involved in their lives. Let's make these years as enjoyable as possible. Sports are fun and these are the last years they will get to play just for the love of the game, let’s make the best of it!
Let’s work together to keep parents and teens informed with nutrition, athletic and fitness tips. Thank you for your support. GO Bearcats!
Marie George
Nutrition coach, Personal trainer and special needs teaching support
[email protected]
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