When your child tries a new sport for the first time, it’s only normal that you want the best for them as a parent. But let’s be honest: things don’t always go as planned. Your child might be the one who is going the wrong way, not wanting to play, or even crying on the field. You’re not the only one who feels embarrassed. I’ve been a teacher for almost 20 years and have worked with kids from 6 years old and up. And I’m here to tell you that everything is fine.
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What to Expect: How to Understand the Learning Curve
Do not worry if your child acts silly, cries, or doesn’t follow directions during the first few lessons. This is completely normal. Professional teachers have seen this behavior a lot of times and know how to deal with it in a calm and patient way. Another coach I worked with used to say that there are three main goals for any youth class: make sure the kids have fun, make sure they came back without getting hurt, and teach them something new as a treat.
For many games, kids don’t start to get better at them until they are about 8 years old. So why start them when they are younger? To get them interested in the sport, teach them how to work together, and most importantly, make sure they have fun. This base is a lot more important than having perfect skill or winning games at this point.
What a Good Coach Should Have
It’s important to find a teacher or sports program for your child who knows and is okay with the fact that working with young kids can be unpredictable. Look for teachers who can keep all of the kids’ attention, even the ones who don’t always do what they’re told. You or your child should never feel bad about acting in a way that is normal for this age from these teachers. A good coach focuses on making the experience fun instead of selling unrealistic hopes of Olympic success or college scholarships in the future.
If you think your child might be the “worst” in the class in terms of behavior or skills, take a step back and look at how far they’ve come. Are they getting better, even if it’s only a little? Are they having fun? In youth sports, these are the most important things.
How to Deal with Problems: When Things Don’t Go as Planned
Although you may try your hardest, things may not always go as planned in a sport or with a guide. You can look at other choices if your child is really unhappy or if you don’t agree with the coach’s approach. Being committed to something for a long time can teach your child a lot, but it’s also important to know when it’s time to move on to something that will better meet their needs.
People are moving away from the old-fashioned idea of yelling at teachers who push kids to the edge because it doesn’t work. Kids do better in places where they feel encouraged and understood, just like adults do. Do not be afraid to make a change if the current situation is not making you feel good.
What’s Important in Youth Sports in the Big Picture
In the end, kids’ sports aren’t just about learning how to play a game or get good at a certain skill. They are meant to help kids love being active, learn important social skills, and know how important it is to work together and be a good sport. They will remember these times more than any prize or medal.
The most important thing you can do as a parent is to back up your child’s efforts, praise their growth (no matter how small), and tell them to keep going. It’s okay if they’re not the best on the team or if they act like they’re not interested sometimes. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow a child grows; what counts is that they have fun and learn along the way.
How Great It Is to See Kids Grow Through Sports
I’ve seen directly how sports can change kids as a parent and as a coach. My 9-year-old daughter has tried just about everything, from boxing to fencing. She had good times and bad times, but what mattered most was that she always learned something, whether it was about the sport or about herself.
A group of really nice kids recently tried out my fencing class. After the class, their mom said she was sorry for how “super normal” they were being. It made me think of how many parents worry that their child isn’t doing well enough. One thing is for sure, though: your child is fine as long as they’re having fun.
Last Thoughts: Remember the Big Picture
Take a deep breath and remember this the next time your child is rolling around on the soccer field and more interested in picking flowers than scoring goals. This is all part of the process. You should be proud when your child acts like a child. That’s what they’re meant to do. And if you’re not sure about something, talk to the guide. Ask yourself if your child’s behavior is normal and what you can do to help them get better if it’s not. Make sure your child is having fun most of all. You’re already ahead if they are. I’m here to help you with anything you need or have questions about how to get around in the world of youth sports. Keep in mind that this is only the start of your child’s trip. They have a lot more adventures to come. Let them have fun, and have fun with them on the ride.