Parents play the most vital role in their child’s development. They act as a pivot when it comes to shaping a child. Whether it’s the child’s academic performance or the sports performance of a child, a parent should be present at every step.
From a very young age, parents help their children discover different kinds of activities, their likes, and dislikes. Along with the warmth and love, they should promote and demonstrate good sportsmanship in their child.
Parents should focus on all the athletic skills of their children, keeping in mind their frustrations and fears.
What are the benefits of early sports involvement?
Parents should start introducing sports activities at a very early age as it has many benefits. Some are listed below:
1. Develops a feeling of confidence in the child
2. Introduces new dreams and aspirations in the child. He starts to think about what he wants to become in his future.
3. Learning new physical skills that help strengthen the child’s motor skills. It also helps in developing hand and eye coordination. Both these things play an important role in the development of the child.
4. The child learns about the skill of trying again and again.
5. The child also learns to play as a team player.
6. Helps the child in learning to handle failure and tough situations.
7. Develop a sense of respect as the child will start respecting his coaches and referees.
How to offer Parental support?
A child doesn’t know how to express his emotions through words. Sometimes parents should know by the gestures of their child about what’s going on in their life. A child may say that he has a stomach ache right before the game. This may indicate that he doesn’t want to play.
A parent should offer a shoulder of comfort to the child, but at the same time, the parent should teach the importance of sports. Even after your child loses a game or any other activity, you should have some constructive things for your child.
A parent should compliment the child for their sustained effort and not lose hope. This will instill a positive vibe in them, and they will try again. Tell your child that it might not be their day to win. Give him acknowledgment as well as passive contributions.
What shouldn’t a parent do?
Never discourage the child or pass judgmental views on him. Don’t set up unrealistic hopes that your child will always score the first position in everything. If you ever do this, it will lower their self-esteem and ruin their youth sports experience.
If they fail, don’t give them punishments. This will curtail their enthusiasm, and they won’t participate the next time.