Sports Parents: Teach Your Children to be Flexible

Coaches are tough on youth athletes these days--they cut kids from teams, sit players for not playing well, and have extremely high expectations for their players. So....what should you do when your child is moved from his favorite position as a forward to defense?

It's in your child's best interest to teach him to go with the flow. Why?

1. He might learn to love his new position.
2. He might be better or more skilled at his new position.
3. The coach might realize that his original position was a better choice.
4. The coach might gain respect for a player who doesn't complain.

Look for the positives and try to make the best out of these situations!

-Kim

Youth Sports: How Much is TOO Much?

The end of summer has brought the start of school, religion class, hockey, soccer, cross country, and a side of choir and girl scout meetings for our children. How much is too much?

We cut back on the sports when:

• Homework isn't getting done.
• Extra sleep is during studyhall.
• Dinner is being eaten in the car daily.
• Grades are going down.

Please post a comment and share any and all reasons why you might restrict your child's participation in sports.

Learning Responsibility...

Last night our daughter had twenty minutes to get herself ready for soccer practice. It wasn't enough time...

Although she managed to get herself dressed, she was unable to find her soccer ball and her cleats. Per her coaches' instructions, I left the responsibility to her, while I sat in the car and waited, and waited, and waited.

Needless to say, she never found the proper ball and was late for practice. Did she learn her lesson?

YES! After soccer practice, she finished her homework, packed her book bag, got her clothes out for the morning, and left for school on time this morning. Hooray!

-Kim