That Team Won't Win...

I said that their team wouldn't win, or even couldn't win. And then...they won! Even if the odds are against a team, any team has the potential to win. Parents, (including me), should remember that.

My son's hockey team played in a regional playoff tournament this weekend. His team is average so I truly didn't think they would qualify for the final round. Of course, they qualified for the final round. That being said, I'm now rooting for his team to win in the final round and hoping they move on to nationals.

The next time that you get frustrated with your child's team, keep in mind that any team has the potential to win. Even teams that have been losing game after game have the ability turn around and surprise you by pulling together, working hard, improving their skills, changing their attitudes, or simply doing whatever it takes to change their luck.

For the sake of your child...stay positive!

-Kim

The Secret of Sport Pyschology

Is there a secret to sport physchology? According to Jim Thompson, founder of The Positive Coaching Alliance, he has found the secret:

"Focus on what you can control and block out the rest."

I found this quote in Thompson's new book, Positive Sports Parenting: How "Second-Goal" Parents Raise Winners in Life Through Sports. He explains that athletes can control some things and not others. In my opinion, Thompson would like sports parents to understand this secret to help guide their children appropriately in sports.

Parents shouldn't yell and scream if their child loses a game. Why not? A child can not control a win or loss. A child can control their effort, their responses, and other factors. My tip for today is to encourage your child athlete to focus on controllable elements.

Good luck!

-Kim

Learning to Love Youth Sports...

Is it possible--do some sports parents hate youth sports? Are there really parents out there with no desire to watch a youth baseball, basketball, or soccer game? Ouch!

Yes, it's possible that a parent might not enjoy watching a youth sports game, but I firmly believe that everyone can learn to enjoy watching their own child play a sport. The following tips are ways to help you ignite an interest in a sport:

1. Watch for improvement. Seeing your daughter swim a lap two seconds faster than her last race can add some excitement to those quick races.
2. Learn the game. If you learn the rules of a game, you'll have a better understanding and know what to look for when you're watching.
3. Try the sport. That's right...if you actually get out in the yard and throw the football with ten of the neighborhood kids, you might feel the excitement and understand the thrill of success when you're actually playing the game.
4. Join in the hype. Many parents get pumped up and excited when watching a youth sports game. Even if you're not thrilled because you don't have the same passion as your child, fake it. Passion can be catchy if you give it a try.

Go team!

Signs of Passion...

The holidays are here and you're hoping for some time away from youth sports. Your child, on the other hand, can't wait for the break from school so he can spend more time playing soccer and basketball...

Don't be distressed. Desire to play the game is passion. You should want your child to play the sport of his choice because it's fun for him. You might be passionate about your child's sports, but it's wonderful to see that passion in a child.

Here are a few scenarios that demonstrate signs of passion for a sport:

1. Your daughter keeps bugging you to head to the gym even after you've told her "no."
2. Your son asks you if she can sign up for a basketball camp over winter break.
3. After playing in a hockey game, your son asks if he can stay and shoot more pucks.
4. The whole neighborhood is busy getting ready for the holidays, and suddenly, you notice twenty-five kids playing football in your backyard.
5. Your son is outside playing soccer with your dog.
6. You get up at 5:00 am for a youth hockey game and magically, your daughter jumps out of bed to get ready for the early morning game. (Why doesn't she do that for school?)
7. You're dreading another youth game, but your son's enthusiasm brings you joy.
8. You have plans to attend a holiday part, but your daughter begs you to attend her basketball game instead of the party.
9. Your son begs you to leave early for his baseball practice. (He doesn't want to be late.)
10. It's Christmas morning and the whole family is opening gifts--your daughter asks what time the rink opens for skating.

I love to see these signs of passion. What signs have you seen in your child?

Accelerate Radio

Accelerate Radio airs live on Mondays from 7:30-8:30 p.m. This Rochester, NY based radio program is aimed at educating youth athletes.

I was pleased to join the "Managing Your Time" program last Monday as a guest. Along with several guests, I discussed various time management tips to help athletes improve how they balance athletics with academics and other commitments.

Go to Accelerate Radio and click on the Nov. 24th archive to listen. Many thanks to Brian Guck for including me in the program.

-Kim