This article by Bruce E. Brown of Proactive Coaching, from the Parents and Coaches Working Together collection, gives sports parents practical guidance on being part of their child's good athletic memories. It covers releasing your child to the whole experience, modeling the behaviors you expect, being aware of your words and body language, resisting the urge to hover and rescue, and choosing one of the four roles at every competition.
Release Your Child to the Whole Experience as Soon as Possible
We learned this from our athletes who have gone the furthest. One of the things they attributed to their success was that they had parents who "released" them to the team, the sport and the coach. As soon as you know that your child is physically and emotionally safe, one of the best gifts you can give them is to let the activity become theirs by taking small shifts of responsibility. Releasing is trusting their athletic destiny to them instead of trying to control it. All the successes and all the struggles that come with sport participation are theirs. Be there to support and encourage but by taking a step back, it allows athletes to take more responsibility and accountability for their experience. Developing healthy and positive relationships with other adults outside your family helps their growth and confidence. Be thankful for those adults outside our families who walk along side of our kids with us.