Helpful information for parents with sporting children can be hard to find. Maybe your child wants to try out a new sport, and you are against it. Or they have invested years in a sport, and no longer want to participate. You’re frustrated, they’re frustrated. Passion in sport for children can present a challenge for parents. Sport teaches children many useful life lessons, and naturally we want them to learn these from multiple sources.
Do your kids practice sport around the house. Do you see them playing, or practicing components of their sport wherever they can. Perhaps they may be reading books on sport, watching videos of their heroes. Your child may be trying to show you how dedicated they are to learn, and willing to become the best version of themselves.
Watch sport with your child. It shows how interested you are, and can familiarise you with their passion. It builds a common understanding too. Also, if you are unfamiliar with their sport, then show them that you are willing to go outside of your comfort zone and learn something new.
In the same way, if your child reads about their sport, talk to them about what they have read. They will want to show you how knowledgeable they are, and this may help with their confidence, for example. Show them you are engaged with what they are doing, and maybe you will see a child who plays sport for great reasons – not just because everyone else is doing it.
Finally, find out how best to support your sporting child. Equally important, talk to other parents, and see how they plan training and competition. Find out where else they can practice outside coached training sessions, for instance.
More helpful information for parents of sporting children can be found in these articles.
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