YOUTH SPORTS: A friendly reminder to all sports parents regards their kid’s development and the (un)importance of results:
First things first, it’s important to stay patient. The most common mistake a lot of sports parents make is chopping and changing coaches the minute their kid doesn’t get the desired results. They talk a good game about understanding development and it takes time, blah, blah, blah. But the panic button gets hit the minute another kid in their group/level does better or the latest ranking sheet comes out.
For peat sake, stop the comparing. No, your kid is not the next Andre Agassi, Wayne Rooney or Martina Hingis at 16 or even 20 if you like. He or she is the next _______________ (your kid’s name).
I always tell parents, the best judgment of you kids progression is in these 5 things:
1. They have manners and are a good representation of you as a parent (Example: They ask me how I am, they are honest to line calls, they help clean up after practice, they say ‘thank you’).
2. They are showing progress in their technical skills.
3. They are showing progress in their athletic skills.
4. They understand that Effort and Attitude are the best route to getting results.
5. They are continually growing a love for the game.
Important to understand that all kids develop physically and psychologically at a different rate. Stop comparing.
Remember: The goal should always be FUN, LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT. Results can wait. Rome was not built in a day, and neither was a successful athlete.
And by the way, maybe your kid doesn’t even want to be a professional athlete. Ever thought of that?
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