Fathers and mothers are the people who fight the most to achieve the well-being of their children in all facets of their lives. When a child decides to actively get involved in a sport The proper involvement of parents is extremely important, since their attitude can influence the young athlete both positively and negatively.
Now… what is it? the attitude that fathers and mothers should adopt to facilitate the progress of your children when it comes to that sport? We will see it below.
From the point of view of the coaches, there are 5 types of parents (according to attitude):
1. Critical parents
Those who only They pay attention and support the child when he or she achieves good results sports.
2. Pseudo-coach parents
Parents who have been practitioners and tend to assume the task of coach as their own. Usually constantly provide technical comments although they contradict those of the coach.
Those who are totally unaware of their child’s activity.
4. Overprotective parents
Parents who They identify excessively with the child and, therefore, they experience their sensations and experiences in the first person. It is common to overprotect children when something goes wrong.
5. Parent collaborators
Those parents who They do not know the most fundamental rules but they still want to play a relevant role in making decisions. They usually believe they have enough freedom to give their opinion when they do not have the necessary knowledge required.
The role of parents in the sports development of their children
Thus, to avoid becoming one of these types of parents and ending up causing uncomfortable and stressful situations, which have recently been observed in some sports, it is advisable to advise parents on how to contribute positively to promote sport as an educational means from which the little ones can benefit.
Below, a series of aspects are proposed to take into account to promote a positive attitude among parents in relation to the sport their children practice.
1. Trust the coach
It may seem obvious but many parents do not trust enough in the person who has the necessary technical requirements to teach your children and empower them in relation to sports We must believe more in the professionalism of the coaches.
2. Recognize the value, importance and time of the coach
The coach is the person who invests the most time in the players with the purpose of strengthening them technically and personally in the sport. For this reason It is important to take into account the effort dedicated although the results do not conform to what would be desired.
3. Find the right occasion for communication with the coach
Establishing contact with the coach is necessary for many parents, as it is the way to be able to discuss aspects related to their children and the sport. Parents should try to find the right moment to adjust postures in an environment of calm and serenity.
4. Value effort over results
It is not good for parents to focus their gratitude towards sports based on the result since obtaining specific results should not be the main objective of sporting activity. The important thing is to value the effort your children make to prosper in sport and you should always show support when the results are negative.
5. Show interest
Children have to see their parents interested in the sport they practice. When they perceive that their parents ask them questions, they try to attend competitions and get involved, positive reinforcement is greater and motivation increases.
6. Don’t push your child beyond their capabilities
Each person faces sporting activity differently. There are children with more abilities than others but that does not mean they should stop encouraging them. The appropriate thing is be aware of the possibilities that our children have and never demand more than you are capable of giving.
7. Accept successes and failures
Parents should be supporting their children in both good and bad times. For this reason one should not show a negative attitude towards failure, since children will give it more importance than it has. In the face of a negative result or a goal not achieved, progress must be encouraged.
Parents must be aware that their children can make mistakes and that does not make them worse than others. It is important that they learn to accept their children’s mistakes don’t feel embarrassed by them
9. Recognize that your child plays sports for their own benefit and fun
Parents have to be able to accept that their children play sports because they like it and enjoy it, especially when they are not under excessive pressure. Therefore, it is advisable to be attentive at all times to the vision that the athlete has of the sport he or she plays.
10. Help your child decide for himself
Children should never be pressured to make the decision that their parents want, but rather it is appropriate to encourage them to decide under their own will.
11. Remember that they are models
Parents must not forget that, at all times, they are role models for their children. Although many may not believe it, children are constantly attentive to the behaviors and decisions of their parents and, in the long run, many act like them. Thus The values ​​that are transmitted are very important and, among them, those of fair play and camaraderie should be highlighted.
