Responsible Sports Parent Tips Archive
These tips are taken directly from Liberty Mutual's Responsible Sports Program's "Tips of the Week." To receive the weekly e-mails, sign up at the Responsible Sports web site.
Sign up for Coach Tips of the Week
Sign up for Parent Tips of the Week
You may also sign up for their monthly eNewsletter Fundamentals. View the Fundamentals archive here.
5/19/09
Great players have the ability to "leave it on the field." After a game, regardless of the result, move on to something else your child will enjoy.
Watch how youth softball parents, players, and their coach move on from mistakes during practice. Check it out!
5/14/09
Ask your child who their favorite teammate is and why.
More parent and athlete conversation tips are available at ResponsibleSports.com
5/7/09
Have a self-control routine and practice it. When someone cuts you off in traffic, it's the same feeling as when an official misses a call in your child's game. Practice putting on your calm "game" face.
Before you lose your cool, listen to this hockey dad (and NHL coach!) remind us why our kids play. Watch now!
4/30/09
When your child is really nervous before a game, ask her if she wants to go to the field where the game will be played and check it out ahead of time. This will give your child a sense of control and take some unknowns off the table.
Learn more ELM Tree of Mastery tips to teach our kids. More on ELM
4/23/09
Take time to do something athletic with your child that is not the specific sport they are currently playing.
Learn what Positive Coaching Alliance has to say about kids playing multiple sports. View article
4/16/09
Talk to the coach about any special concerns. If your child thrives or suffers under certain types of learning environments, let the coach know about it.
Listen to Jessica Mendoza talk about the roles her parents played during her softball career. Watch video
4/9/09
Keep the coach notified. They'll appreciate knowing about vacation plans, injuries, or special circumstances surrounding your child.
4/2/09
Talk with your kids about what being a good and positive teammate means. This includes coming to practice prepared and ready to give one's all.
3/26/09
Remember the coaches' responsibility goes beyond the scoreboard to make certain that players become better people and athletes.
2/12/09
Praise your child for having little or no reaction to a questionable call. This is the true sign of being mentally tough.
2/5/09
Have your child make a collage about a professional or college athlete that they respect. Then have them talk you through the collage. If you feel creative, make one, too! Then you can see how much your thoughts and your child's match.
1/28/09
Identify what elements of sports participation bring out the most passion in your child, and try to put more emphasis on these elements.
1/21/09
Maya Angelou said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." What will your children remember about how you made them feel after they lost a game?
1/15/09
Before each game, remind your child: "Remember the 3 things we talked about: Have fun, Do your best and Have fun!"
1/8/09
Maya Angelou said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." What will your children remember about how you made them feel after they lost a game?
12/17/08
Ask your child if there is anything from their sport they would like to work on with you at home. Let them choose what it is!
12/11/08
Encourage your child to act with humility and compassion, as those traits enhance performance and show true leadership.
12/4/08
Have your child bring extra water to practices and games so he or she can share with teammates who might have forgotten their own.
11/28/08
The shelf life for disappointment over defeat is far longer for grown-ups than kids. Post-game, read your child, and make sure not to transfer your own feelings on to him or her.
11/21/08
Be aware; when asked to rate the importance of various components of their sports experience, high school boys ranked "winning" 8th. Winning can sometimes be more important to grown-ups than kids.
11/14/08
Try using the expression "from this limited point of view" in speaking to a parent who questions a call. It introduces the notion of perspective and sends the message that the official has a better view.
11/7/08
Recognize that disrespectful behavior is a threat to the youth sports culture you are helping to create. It affects everyone. If it's coming from someone you are comfortable approaching, try to summon the courage to speak out against it.
10/30/08
Highlight positive behavior on the part of your child's teammates to him or her. "Did you hear Jane cheering for everyone?" "Do you see how hard Jimmy works in practice?"
10/23/08
Research shows that children on average face disappointment 27 times per day. Sports are a great teacher in helping to deal with such adversity.
