Chapter 2: Balancing Support - Fostering Resilience and Self-Worth in Young Athletes

Explore the Delicate Balance of Parental Involvement in Sports, Emphasizing the Importance of Fostering a Positive Environment Through Unconditional Love and Support, Communication That Respects the Child's Perspective, and Encouraging Self-Regulation and Problem-Solving Skills, All While Setting Clear Expectations and Providing Constructive Feedback on Strengths, Ultimately Building Resilience and Self-Worth Through Acceptance and Understanding, Regardless of Competition Outcomes.

Key Points

- "The middle ground" between being under involved and over involved is where your child recognises that you invest in their sport for their benefit
- Communicating with your child that you understand their perspective can help you explore and share their experiences in a positive way
- It is absolutely crucial that you communicate unconditional love and acceptance of your child regardless of their performance
- When parents communicate love "conditionally", tying special rewards and attention to winning, or withdrawing attention for losing, it has devastating effects on a child
- Competing for parent's approval will affect your child's "self worth", take away the fun of competition and cause losing to become shameful
- Communicate unconditional love by providing attention, affection and approval, verbally and non verbally, regardless of the result
- "Tell them and show them you are proud", with the same post sport routine regardless of the result