Most parents have seen their child's parent shout at them at high speed. This is often directed not only at their child, but also at teachers, coaches, referees, and other children. How does this affect the child's sporting experience and performance? What can the parent do to help their child? The success of a child's sport depends on the parents. Positive and negative parental behavior can have a negative impact on a child's sporting success. a study about the enjoyment of youth sports participants.
Positive parental involvement can help children improve their self-esteem, motivation, social skills, and self-confidence. These valuable skills can be transferred to other areas such as school and extra-curricular activities. . A child who is more aware of his or her own life skills will make the skill transfer easier. Parents can encourage children to reflect upon the skills they have acquired through sport. The importance of parental involvement in elite youth sports like football academies is obvious. This environment focuses on helping players achieve professional standards. An interview was conducted by coaches to find out what factors affect the development of elite youth academy football players. All participants agreed that parents play an important role in the development and success of youth academy football players. Coaches suggested that there was a positive correlation among parental support and professional success. This could increase the chance of reaching that level. Parents shouldn't be too involved in their child's growth, but should instead 'provide tangible and emotional support'. Coaches acknowledged that some parents have negative traits, including 'over-inflating their players' egos and 'providing incorrect coaching advise'.
The study shows that parents and coaches are equally important in the development of child sports. However, it is important to not make the child feel too dominant. This could cause the child to lose their sporting potential.
Further evidence supports the negative associations with too much involvement in children's sport development, as shown. Youth athletes were surveyed about the role of stress in sport. The study found that parents can create a stressful atmosphere for their children by focusing too much on winning and not enough on participating. Although it may appear that the parent shouting from the sidelines is encouraging and helpful, it can be seen as a hindrance to the child and create additional pressure.
It is clear that parents are important in youth sports, but it is also important for children to have fun and participate in the sport. These guidelines will help you to get involved as a parent in sports.
DO
Encourage your child to be aware of their skills and self-awareness. This will help you increase your self-confidence and make it easier for you to transfer these skills into other areas of life.
The coaches will help you. There is less chance of the child becoming confused if the coach and parent are communicating the same message. The child will be able to focus on their goal and not get distracted.
Offer your child emotional and tangible support. Although it may seem obvious, it will let your child know you are there when they need you.
DON'T
Do not get involved too much. While this may be your way of showing your love, there is a fine line between being supportive as well as too involved.
You should not give coaching advice that isn't appropriate. It is possible to send contradictory messages than the coach has given you. If you disagree with the coach's message, it is better to have a private conversation with them. This will keep you from being rude.
Do not put too much pressure on your child. Stress the importance of winning and success. No matter how competitive your child is, they should have fun with their sport. Additional pressure can cause a decrease in performance.