16 Things Every Sports Parent Should Know

16 Things Every Sports Parent Should Know

I’m sure we all know that “crazy sports parent.” The one that is overbearing, pushy and never stops shouting at our child’s games.

The goal for youth sports at Manhattan Parks and Recreation is to give the opportunity for EVERY child to participate and learn the sport registered for in a fun and safe environment through development of individual skill, fitness, teamwork and fair play.

I’ve listed 16 things every sports parent must know to make their child’s experience the best it can be.

1. It’s about THEM, not YOU. Don’t live vicariously through your child. It’s GREAT to have dreams and aspirations for your child, but remember it is for them to determine and achieve.

2. Never talk to a coach about your child’s playing time before, during or after a game or practice. There is a time and place for everything, during those times is not it.

3. Never yell at referees/umpires. They are human and doing their best and I guarantee they are not trying to cheat your child’s team or purposely miss calls.

4. Let the coaches coach. You yelling from the sidelines does nothing but confuse your child and the rest of the players, while taking away from the validity of the Coach. You had your opportunity to volunteer.

5. There is less than a 1 percent chance that your child will be a professional athlete. Sit back, relax and enjoy watching them play. They will only be little for so long.

6. Don’t make your kid specialize in one sport. The more sports they play the more well-rounded individual and athlete they will be.

7. Do not talk poorly about coaches or players around other parents, players and especially around your child. This leaves a lasting impression on your child and influences how they see those people you are speaking of through their eyes.

8. Your child is going to fail at some point. LET THEM. Let them learn from their failures and mistakes.

9. Don’t place blame on anyone or anything. This will only lead to excuses in future failures. This will teach them to work through adversity.

10. Teach sportsmanship. Your child’s current opponents may be their future teammates and best friends.

11. Life lessons are easily taught through sports. Be sure to take advantage of those opportunities.

12. It’s true. It’s not about winning or losing, but how you play the game. Let’s focus on process over outcome. Did you get better, even though you lost the game?

13. Dump the “win-at-all-cost” mentality.

14. Cheer EVERYONE on!!

15. Wait a minimum 24 hours after a game to discuss the game with your child. Give them the opportunity to digest and reflect on it. Some may not even care what occurred in the game, however if you bring up negative situations it may have a lingering effect.

16. 6 simple words to tell your child after every game “I love to watch you play.”