Communication With An Athlete Son: Keys For Parents Of Teenagers
A few years ago, renowned basketball player Stephen Curry shared an anecdote about his childhood. He remembered how, after each game, his father, Dell Curry, also a former professional player, would ask him just one question: “Did you have fun today?”. That question not only relieved any tension, but also fostered a relationship based on open communication and emotional support.
The importance of communication in adolescent sports
Sports are a crucial part of the lives of many teenagers. It helps them develop skills, discipline and often becomes an outlet for them to express their emotions. However, parents sometimes face difficulties when trying to communicate effectively with their athletic children. The key is to create an environment of trust and openness, where the adolescent feels safe to share their experiences and emotions.
1. Open question and active listening
One of the most common mistakes parents make is bombarding their children with closed-ended questions that only allow yes or no answers. Instead, opt for open-ended questions that encourage reflection and conversation. For example, ask: “How did you feel during training today?” instead of “Did you do well today?”
Active listening is crucial. Pay attention to what your child says without interrupting him and show empathy. Nod your head, maintain eye contact, and mirror his emotions by saying things like, “It sounds like that really bothered you, do you want to talk more about it?”
It’s natural to want your child to succeed, but criticizing their mistakes can have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Instead of pointing out his flaws, focus on the positive aspects and use constructive criticism. For example, instead of saying: “You shouldn’t have lost that goal,” try: “I saw you tried really hard today. Maybe we could practice your shots more together.”
3. Set realistic goals
Help your child set goals that are achievable and realistic. This not only gives them a sense of direction, but also helps them better manage the fear of failure. Talk to them about what they want to achieve and work together to create an action plan.
4. Celebrate achievements (big and small)
Celebrate all of your child’s accomplishments, no matter how small. Every small step is progress and it is important that your child feels that their efforts are valued.
5. Create a safe space to express emotions
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings, whether they are joy, frustration, or fear. Showing vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but a natural part of the process of growth and development.
6. Example of effective communication
Reflect the type of communication you want to see in your child. If you show openness and honesty, they are more likely to do the same. Share your own experiences and feelings when appropriate, and show that it’s okay to talk about your own challenges and emotions.
Some questions to reflect on
As a parent, you should ask yourself:
Promoting effective communication with your athlete child is essential for their development and emotional well-being. By implementing these techniques, you will not only strengthen your relationship with them, but you will also provide them with the tools necessary to face challenges both on and off the field of play. Remember, the goal is not just to win games, but also to raise resilient, emotionally intelligent individuals.
