As parents, watching your child excel in sports can be a joyous experience. However, it's so important to strike the right balance between encouragement and pressure. Your role in your kid’s competitive sports journey should be about more than just wins and losses; it should focus on fostering a positive environment that supports their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Remember you are the parent, not the coach

While it's only natural to want the best for your child, it's essential to draw the line between being a parent and being a coach. Your role is to offer emotional support and encouragement, not technical advice. 

The moment you start critiquing your child's performance is when your role shifts from supportive parent to pushy coach laying on the pressure. Let the experts do the coaching while you focus on being the cheerleader your kid really needs.

Navigate the setbacks and successes positively

Kids who play competitive sports experience both wins and losses - that’s life. While it’s easy to cheer them on during their victories, it’s equally vital to stand by them during their setbacks. 

Teach them that losing is all a part of the journey and that their worth is not tied solely to their athletic achievements. Your unwavering support will help build resilience and sportsmanship in your child.

Respect their coach

Your child's coach is a professional with years of experience and specialized knowledge. It’s important to respect their decisions and guidance, even if you don't always agree. Undermining the coach can affect your child's respect for them, which can be detrimental in the long run. If you have serious concerns, it’s more constructive to discuss them privately within the sports organization.

Always keep it enjoyable

If issues arise—whether related to coaching, injuries, or any other aspect of the sport—it's your responsibility to voice them. However, don't lose sight of the primary goal: sports should be fun for your child. 

If their love for the game turns into a chore or a burden at any point, it might be time to take a break and reassess their involvement. Never let your own passion or dreams stand in the way of them walking away from the sport if it’s not the right journey for them.

Encourage them to live a life outside of the game

Being proficient in sports shouldn't overshadow other aspects of your child's life. Ensure they have time for academic pursuits, social activities, and other interests. Your child should never feel like their sole worth or future career relies on their sporting prowess.

Don’t go into this for the wrong reasons

It's essential to note that your child should not be encouraged to play sports with the sole aim of a professional career or future fame. The intention should be to support their passion and interests, helping them become fit, healthy, and well-rounded individuals. If they're playing sports because they love it, that's the most significant win of all.

Kids competitive sports? Encourage them to Dew 110% like Dewey Does (#Dew110)

Supporting your child in their competitive sports endeavors isn't just about celebrating the highs; it's about navigating the lows together and everything in between. Your support should be unconditional and aimed at helping them grow—not just as an athlete but also as an individual. 

Remember, they are a child first and a sportsperson second. Keep their best interests at heart and let them play the game for the love of it. And of course, don’t forget, that we specialize in the perfect clothing for active kids at Dewey Does.

While you’re here, we’d love to hear your thoughts on supporting kids’ competitive sports journey. Drop us your two cents below.

Hi, Team Does. I get all my sports news and updates from my friend Tommy Ommy, host of Straight from the Basement Sports Podcast. Be sure to follow him wherever you get your podcasts and check out his YouTube channel for sports news and conversations - Dewey.

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