Am I A Great Athlete’s Parent?

Do you realize that you are not living your child’s life (so you don't push your child down the path that you wished you could take)?

Do you let your child choose their own path and set their own goals in sports?

Do you support the team (and not only your child)?

Do you avoid comparing your child’s success to others?

Do you let the coach do their job (meaning that you don’t try to take on that role)?

Do you tell your child that he/she is his/her own competition?

Do you model appropriate behavior?

Do you understand that failure within sports is an important lesson to learn?

Are you a great listener and encourager?

Do you let your kid enjoy their childhood, without planning for something more serious like a career in sports?

Based on your answers, you may need to learn a little better how to become a great sports parent. Actually, it takes less effort to be an ideal sports parent than a bad one. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy your child playing the sports that they love! Don’t be sparing with the words: “I love watching you play” and “I’m proud of you”. There is a fine line for parents being supportive and having sometimes unrealistic expectations. As parents, you want your children to be happy and bring out their very best.

Based on your answers, you are displaying some signs of a good athlete’s parent, although there is room for improvement. It can be a little hard to balance being supportive and encouraging with being reasonable, especially when you see that your child is talented. Tell your child to do what makes them happy, but also tell them that it takes hard work and dedication to become great at what they are doing. As parents, you want your children to be happy and bring out their best. You can help them to learn what is ‘right’ on the field. This will lead your kids to be happy and successful individuals who will understand responsibility in life in general.

Based on your answers, you are displaying the signs typically seen among individuals who are great athlete’s parents. That is, of course, great news! It’s all about letting your child find something they are passionate about, and then develop skills through hard work and dedication. Keep your child active and engaged but be careful with creating expectations. As parents, you want your children to be happy and bring out their very best!