This article from Proactive Coaching, written by guest contributor Teri Helms and included in the Parents and Coaches Working Together collection, offers a parent's perspective on raising motivated young athletes. Drawing on more than 13 years as the mother of five sons in karate, Helms explains how parents can define and model their role, stay out of the coach's way, and create an environment where children develop personal power and accountability for their own goals.
Introduction
By Guest Contributor, Teri Helms
Teri Helms is the full time mother of five great young men (three have earned black belts and two more are on track) and a home educator who writes a homeschool blog entitled "Tommy Mom" - www.TommyMom.com
"Personal power comes from development of trust, respect, rapport, significance and personal investment in each other. They inspire belief, commitment and teamwork. The truly strong leader doesn't have to rely on their position or power to lead. Everyone is usually aware of both their position and their power but the leader keeps it restrained and out of the process. They get people to willingly follow by choice. They relate on a personal level and are approachable. They connect with and empower their followers. The personal power style gets individuals and teams to accomplish at a much higher level because they WANT to do it. The team is much more likely to develop a culture of trust and respect. Personal power requires more time to develop but the results make it worth the time and effort. It is strong and sustainable." Bruce Brown, "Proactive Leadership: Empowering Team Leaders", emphasis mine