How to Coach Your Kid
28 04 2008
Here’s an article from Men’s Health that gives practical tips for coaching your kids in sports. Since it’s baseball season, I thought you’d enjoy.SKIP POSTGAME ANALYSIS
When the thrill or agony of the game is still fresh, he doesn’t need you harping on him. The only challenge he should face: sugar or waffle cone?
PLAY UP THE POSITIVE
Find something specific-stopping a ball, not giving up on a fast break-and tell him it was worth the price of admission. “Kids want to believe parents feel proud of them,” Fish says.
SANDWICH CRITICISM
If you want him to stop being a ball hog, wait until the next practice and say, “You’re a great ball handler [praise], but if you could dish off when you’re double-teamed [constructive criticism], you’d be unstoppable [praise with incentive].”
ASK HIS OPINION
If he stops wanting to go to practice or starts picking grass in the outfield, there could be a lot of reasons. He’s the best source. Say, “Help me understand,” Fish suggests. You’re acknowledging the situation without claiming to have the answers or giving him the third degree.
WATCH YOURSELF
In the stands, meet with other parents and agree to call each other on offensive behavior-pacing, grimacing, arm waving. Your kid will notice this stuff, and it’ll suck out all the fun he thought he was having. All you need to do is cheer.”
This is some good advice. Personally I think the best point is in intro paragraph when it says that “Chances are good your kid isn’t the next LeBron, A-Rod, or Deion”. Dads who act like they are raising the next Michael Jordan are the male equivalent of psycho pageant-moms! It’s a game; have fun!
