-
Step 1
Understand the purpose of youth sports. Children enjoy competing, making new friends and being part of a program. The benefits are many: physical fitness, discipline, personal commitment, resilience, teamwork and responsibility to the group. The ultimate goal is personal development, not a college scholarship or bragging rights for mom and dad. Focus on the process, not the bottom-line production.
-
Step 2
Develop a realistic assessment of your athlete and steer him or her to the appropriate competitive level. The sport shouldn't be much too easy or much too hard. Youngsters develop at different speeds. Their timetable for physical maturation varies. Their passion, motivational level and competitiveness vary. Every kid is unique. Some kids push themselves too hard, others are apathetic.
-
Step 3
It is OK to push your athlete in a constructive fashion. Young people should be challenged. This is how they grow. The same rule should apply to any activity: If you are going to do, it do it right. Give your best effort. See the season or the year all the way through. Respect the group and the leaders.
-
Step 4
Early on, allow your athlete to play multiple sports. The variety allows them to develop all-around athletic ability. Why put an 8-, 9- or 10-year into a year-round "select" program and exclude other sports? Later, athletes can focus on one sport if they wish. Don't allow your athletes to burn out on a sport before they really hit stride.
-
Step 5
Stress good nutrition. You don't need to go overboard and put children on a highly restrictive diet, but promote healthy eating. That can make a huge difference as young athletes train and grow.
-
Step 6
Fitness training can make a big difference, too. Pre-puberty training should focus on speed, agility and the core muscles. Hold off on serious body building until the athletes mature physically. And be wary of training supplements. Do you homework. Consult your doctor.
-
Step 7
If you decide to place your youngster in a year-round "select" program, do your homework. Find the best program to help your athlete reach full potential. Success is important, of course, because it rewards effort. Stay clear of programs that stress winning over the development of each child in the program. Avoid coaches who put their ego gratification ahead of what is best for the kids.
-
Step 8
Don't live vicariously through your youngster's athletic progress. Set aside your ego. Seek growth your child, not a high trophy count.
