Expect the Best
As parents of athletic children we always want them to do their best. How do we bring out the best in a positive nurturing way? Academics as well as athletics should be a hand in hand proposition. They go together, not work separately. In both arenas we should expect the best. Here are some suggestions that apply to both important aspects of the youth athlete’s life.
The author W. Somerset Maugham once wrote, “It is a funny thing about life: If you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.” Your expectations can create wondrous achievements. Shooting for the stars helps you become a star. Before Roger Banisters’ great performance, everyone believed that breaking the four-minute mile was impossible.
This belief placed a ceiling upon their running performance and prevented their bodies from breaking that elusive barrier. However, after Roger’s great performance, the ceiling was broken and these runners had the “I can” belief. Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re probably right.” Believing you can run as fast as Roger Bannister can make you faster.
Parents need to develop an “I can” philosophy in their children. Children should believe that everything is possible under the stars. Parents do need to be aware of their own expectations for their children. The following points were adapted from the book “Flying Lessons” Gregg Steinberg, PH.D will help you as a parent focus on having effective expectations for greater achievement. No matter what the level of athletic ability your youth athlete has.
- Parents must be aware of their expectations for their children. Children have different ability levels, whether it is in science, track or soccer. Parents usually see the difference. But those apparent differences should not influence their reasonable expectations for their child.
- Parents should have high expectations for their children, regardless of ability level. This will lead to interactions between parent and child that contribute to high-level performance. However, expectations should not be set so high that parents have to push their child too hard. Set expectations that are high but realistic. In that way, children will be more likely to achieve their potential.
- Parents should avoid negative expectations. If your son or daughter has a track record of problem behavior at school, it may be easier to expect the worst. But this could cause a downward spiral to develop. For example, the child has some initial difficulties at school. The parent expects more difficulties, leading to interactions that reinforce the problems at school. In turn, this creates more problems at school.
Until Next Time,
TrackMom
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