Parent Education

ParentEducation

Parents play a vital role in youth soccer but are often the least informed stake holders. Most parents’ primary goal is to help their child enjoy her soccer experience and help them reach their potential. In addition to that, many parents help manage their child’s team and some even hold important positions at their youth club. Most board members and decision makers at youth clubs are parents.

Newton Girls Soccer recognizes the important contribution made by parents in youth soccer and appreciates the challenges facing parents in their quest for guidance on how to help their child reach her potential in life, how to be supportive, and how to help their club in its mission to develop players.

Below are some great articles and videos full of helpful hints and tips in how we can create the best possible environment for our kids to play soccer and have FUN in.

Key Points from Changing The Game in Youth Sports Video:

  • The single greatest effect on performance is an athlete’s state of mind
  • Youth sports used to be about children competing against other children; now it is often adults competing against other adults through their children
  • Children play sports because it is fun; winning comes in way down the list
  • Children quit sports when they don’t get to play, and when winning becomes more important than enjoyment
  • 90% of children would rather play on a losing team than sit the bench on a winning team
  • Competition is important, but being competitive comes from putting the needs and priorities of our children first
  • We can all start changing youth sports for the better by learning five simple words (watch to learn what they are)

Ten Things Parents of Athletes Should Know

By Stefanie Mullen Founder of Ooph.com a site devoted to parenting teens.

1. It’s not about you, its about them.  Do not live your own sports dreams through your kids. It’s their turn now. Let them make their own choices, both good and bad.

2. Never talk to a coach about your child’s play time after a game. Actually you never should. You should have your kid do that. That said, if you just can’t help yourself, send an email the next day and ask for some phone time.

3. NEVER yell at referees. They are trying. How would you like it if someone came to your job and screamed at you? Not. So. Much. If you have a real issue file a grievance the next day.

4. Do NOT coach your kid from the sideline. Your job is to be a cheerleader, not a coach. If you wanted to coach, you should have volunteered.

5. It is EXTREMELY UNLIKELY you are raising a professional athlete. I promise you. Relax, let them have a good time and learn the lessons they are supposed to be learning in sports.

6. Kids should play the sport that is in season until they are in middle school. Then they can decide which one or two sports they want to play and become more focused. Cross training prevents injuries and burnout.

7. If you have nothing nice to say, sit down and be quiet. Don’t be “that” parent.

8. If you are losing your mind on the sideline of game, it’s time to look in the mirror and figure out why. It’s not normal to care that much about sports. Put that energy into something more productive.

9. Let them fail. Forgotten equipment, not working out, not practicing at home? Let them suffer the consequences of that. It will make them better.

10. Your kids are watching you. Make them proud not embarrassed.