Supporting Young Athletes: A Guide for Parents

Raising a young athlete can be both rewarding and challenging. Most parents want to provide their children with the support and encouragement they need to succeed. One of the most important things that can be done is to create a positive and supportive environment for their athletic development.

Essential Resources for Parents of Young Athletes

To help you foster a positive and encouraging environment for the young athlete, here are some valuable resources:

Books

 

  • Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck: This groundbreaking book explores the power of a growth mindset and how it can help children overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

  • The Sports Gene: Why Some People Are Born to Win by David Epstein: This fascinating book offers insights into the role of genetics and environment in athletic performance. It can help parents understand the factors that contribute to their child’s athletic abilities.

  • Parenting the Athlete: How to Raise a Healthy, Happy, and Successful Sports-Minded Child by David Epstein and Michael Thompson: This practical guide provides valuable advice on supporting children’s athletic development. It covers topics such as setting realistic expectations, managing stress, and fostering a love for the sport.

  • Raising an Athlete: How to Instill Confidence, Build Skills, and Inspire a Love of Sport by Jack Perconte: This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on how to support and motivate young athletes while keeping the focus on fun.

  • Just Let the Kids Play: How to Stop Other Adults from Ruining Your Child’s Fun and Success in Youth Sports by Bob Bigelow: This book advocates for less competitive, more fun-focused youth sports environments, emphasizing the importance of enjoyment and participation over winning.

  • Bring Your ‘A’ Game: A Young Athlete’s Guide to Mental Toughness by Jennifer L. Etnier: This book is a valuable tool for teaching kids key mental strategies to handle competitive situations, such as managing stress, staying focused, and bouncing back from setbacks.

  • The Talent Code: Greatness Isn’t Born. It’s Grown by Daniel Coyle: This book explores how world-class talent is developed and the role of deep practice in achieving excellence. It can help parents understand the importance of consistent, focused training for their child’s athletic development.

  • Feeding the Young Athlete: Sports Nutrition Made Easy for Players, Parents, and Coaches by Cynthia Lair: This book offers nutritional tips to enhance young athletes’ performance, including information on hydration, fueling, and recovery.

  • The Pitcher’s Mom by Heather Choate Davis: This fictional novel offers a mother’s perspective on raising a baseball player, providing insights into the challenges and rewards of supporting a young athlete.

  • Raising Empowered Athletes by Kirsten Jones: This book focuses on raising strong, well-rounded athletes with skills for life beyond sports, emphasizing the importance of character development, leadership, and resilience.

  • Home Team Advantage: The Critical Role of Mothers in Youth Sports by Brooke C. De Lench: This book highlights how maternal instincts can positively influence young athletes, emphasizing the importance of emotional support, encouragement, and setting a positive example.

  • Concussions and Our Kids: America’s Leading Expert on How to Protect Young Athletes and Keep Sports Safe by Robert Cantu: This book is a crucial resource for understanding and preventing sports-related concussions, providing information on signs, symptoms, and treatment.

Articles

 

  • The Importance of Positive Parenting in Sports by Sports Illustrated: This article emphasizes the importance of positive parenting in supporting young athletes. It provides tips on how to create a supportive and encouraging environment.

  • How to Be a Supportive Sports Parent by Verywell Family: This article offers practical advice on how to be a supportive sports parent. It covers topics such as providing encouragement, setting realistic expectations, and avoiding overcritical parenting.

  • The Dangers of Overcritical Parenting in Sports by Psychology Today: This article explores the negative consequences of overcritical parenting in sports. It highlights the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment for children.

Organizations

 

  • The Positive Coaching Alliance: This organization offers resources and training for coaches and parents on creating a positive sports environment. They provide tools and strategies for fostering a culture of respect, sportsmanship, and positive development.

  • The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee: This organization provides resources and information on youth sports development. They offer a variety of programs and initiatives to help young athletes reach their full potential.

 

Creating a Supportive Environment

Remember, the most important thing is to create a supportive and encouraging environment for your child. By providing love, guidance, and positive reinforcement, you can help them reach their full potential. Encourage them to have fun, try new things, and develop a lifelong love of sports.