10 Ways To Be A Great Track Parent

“Getting the drills down is a lot of work for a little one”

                       The coach is always patient. : )

With over 70% of kids quitting organized sports by the age of 13, our sports parenting skills are not something to brag about.Being a good track parent is not a natural skill.In fact ,being a good sports parent  in general often conflicts with natural parenting instincts such as protecting,educating and supervising. While sitting or standing (like I do sometimes)in the bleachers  we are forced to resist the urge to help and coach. In some cases this is not such a bad thing. 

 In our sport shouting out can unintentionally hurt our young athletes  while trying to encourage our own. I think you know what I am talking about. 

You never know who is sitting by you. It could be a sibling, a grandparent even a parent.

So here we go …………. 

A few things to remember on your path to being a “Great Track Parent”

1. Encourage fun and doing their best, not just winning.No one wins all the time,no one.
2. Actively work to undrestand the sport your child is particpating in. (Yes there are parents that don’t know a 100m from 200m)
3. Don’t rate your child’s sucess on winning or losing
4. Help out with needs of your child’s team.Children love when their parents help and hate to always see someone elses parent helping.
5. Provide the right competive situation for your youth athlete. (Rightly assess your childs abilty,if in doubt ask some one like a coach who can give insight.)
6. Help your coach help your child. Communicate regularly and positively with your coach, get your child proper rest nutrition and an emotionally balanced household to support an athlete  your child, so that he can work positively with  your child for growth in the sport. Express thanks to him outwardly in front of your child.
7. Wait a while before critiquing the athletes race or field event.(this can be hard) no matter win or lose.Give him a little room.
8. Let your child discover the sport and associated lessons for themselves.
9. Expect and demand professional sportsmanlike conduct from your child at all times
10. Understand and respect your child’s capabilities. Embrace who they are right now, not what could be.

Have lot’s of Fun!!

Trackmom

Related posts:

1. Sports Parent Highlights
2. The Best Track Parent is A Proactive One
3. Marion Jones …..What’s a Track Parent To Do???
4. Track and Field Sports Parent Code of Conduct
5. Should A Parent Begin To Sports Specify His/ Or Her Child Before 12-13 ?