Sport must be fun. Fun = Enjoyment
We enjoy success…we don't enjoy striking out three times in a row…skill is very important to the realization of fun
We enjoy learning new things…we don't enjoy boredom
We enjoy respect…we don't enjoy terror, threats, negatives
Winning & Losing: Must keep competition in perspective… educating your child is key…
Only put your child in competitive situations with evenly matched opponents, the fair contest
Separate performance from self worth
Better to lose and do your personal best than win and play ugly
Better to lose to a good opponent and learn what you need to do to get better than to win against someone who can't play and you learn nothing new
Skill is a function of repetition…trial and error…and a key to having fun
Kids learn/teach themselves
Good teachers help
Imitation is an important learning method…good…important to take your child to see others play
Key: Help your child find a sport that is just right for him or her. Over 100 out there…
Commit to a certain time period
Commit to skill learning/success experience before you give up
Make the deal before you play
You can and should coach your child…
It's not hard to be better than a 6 year old
Not hard to teach
Lead by example…as a spectator…cheerleader…
Positive to your child
Positive to all other children and their parents
Deliver value messages over and over again…they will sink in
It's important how you play the game
How you play says something about who you are…if you cheat, you are dishonest…if you argue about calls, you are a whiner
Deliver messages in a non-judgmental, matter of fact way…no anger
There are many ways you can encourage your child to participate in sport without forcing it
Take them with you when you play…they want to be like you
Make play fun
Take them to watch others play
Buy books about sport
Give gifts that say I think you can play
Get involved in their sport experience…
League governance, etc…
Make sure coaches and officials get certified and educated…
Selecting coaches/teachers for your child may be the most important thing you do
Do not tolerate bad people…no matter how many games your child's team wins
Make sure the team your child plays on has children of similar skill
