Finding a Balance

It’s natural for parents to want to be involved in their child’s sports activities, but finding the right balance is key. Being too hands off can leave a child feeling unsupported, while being too controlling can take away their enjoyment. A great way to stay involved without overstepping is to ask open ended questions like, "What was your favorite part of today’s practice?" instead of "Did you win?" This keeps the focus on enjoyment and progress rather than just performance.

Another important role parents play is modeling good sportsmanship. Kids notice how parents react to games, coaches, and referees. Demonstrating respect and a positive attitude teaches valuable lessons beyond the field. At the end of the day, parents should aim to be their child’s biggest cheerleader, not their toughest critic. When kids feel supported, they’ll be more likely to stay engaged in sports for the long haul.