Parents can help young children have fun and reap the benefits of organized youth sports, and avoid the stress and potential downsides. It's important to find a positive, supportive coach and a team that emphasizes having fun as well as getting better.
Actual games can still be stressful, however, especially for young and inexperienced athletes, or kids new to a particular sport or team. Proper preparation and expectations can help ensure that game day is fun and beneficial for youngsters.
Preparing for Games
Consistent practice is the best preparation for game day. A player who feels competent will also feel confident. Parents and coaches can help by having a positive attitude and realistic expectations, and communicating that to young players. An emphasis on teamwork, individual effort, and the fun of the sport set a healthy tone for games.
Parents can help children establish simple, healthy pre-game habits. Practices the day before a game should be short and relaxed. Players should eat a healthy diet the day before and day of the game, and get a good night's sleep. The first few games of a new sport or with a new team may produce enough jitters that kids have a hard time sleeping the night before. Parents can reassure them that this is natural and not a big deal.
The day before is a good time to be sure all gear is in good working order, clean, and on-hand. Pack the gear bag the night before. Include a few healthy snacks, warm clothing if it will be cold, and sunscreen or any other items that might come in handy.
Getting Ready on Game Day
On the big day, avoid spicy and fatty foods, and sugary drinks. Make sure kids are well hydrated with good old plain water, and well fueled with carbohydrates, which help the body store glycogen in muscles and liver to fuel activity. Bananas, nuts, chicken salad, peanut butter, and pasta are all good choices.
Find out when the coach wants players to arrive, and be on time. Generally, don't try to do too much on game day, but do provide kids with a little distraction and relaxation, perhaps a board game or movie. Once at the field, teams usually gather on one side and parents on the other. Parents should wish their young players well, then go hang out with other parents. Don't interfere with preparation or coaching.
Parent Behavior During Games
A parent's role during the game is to remain relatively calm and stick to positive and encouraging cheering. Don't coach from the sidelines, yell instructions or criticism, or berate the officials, coach, or players. If there is a real issue with officiating or coaching, parents should take it up with an appropriate official after the game.
Officials make mistakes, of course, but in the natural course of events, chances are that it all evens out – a call in one team's favor one time, and in the other team's the next. Parents who struggle with not criticizing officials should try the job themselves. There's no better way to appreciate how difficult the job is.
No matter the outcome of the game, congratulate all players, thank the officials and coaches, and tell the child Mom and Dad enjoyed watching the game. Parents should find something positive to say to their young athlete – even if it is just recognizing effort, or even noticing that they seemed to enjoy the game. Always emphasize effort over the score, and fun most of all. Remember proper diet and sleep are important after a game as well.
Sports offer many benefits to children, from better health to skills like teamwork and conflict resolution. Parents can play a big role in making sure their children reap those benefits. They can help the kids by preparing them for their games and providing positive support during the games.
Melissa Gaskill - An independent journalist for 16 years, Melissa Gaskill holds degrees in biology and journalism and writes about travel, nature, outdoor ...
