If you have kids in competive sports, you have a wonderful opportunity to help them learn some of the greatest lessons in living before they venture out into the world on their own. Unfortunately, there’s a misguided philosophy being perpetuated by some parents and coaches that over emphasizes the importance of winning. Remember that the chances of a child ever making a dollar as an athlete is slim to none. Instead of falling into the well-meaning but overzealous parent trap, your job is to reduce the pressure your child feels in the sport and focus on all the positive lessons of competition. I spent 12 years on the national junior tennis circuit and was a first hand witness to misguided parents and coaches treating kids like major league sports stars. Some of my friends, who were national champions, won’t even pick up a tennis raquet anymore because of the emotional baggage dumped on them by their parents. Listen to this post and please be aware of the tremendous power you wield as a parent. Your kids are going to remember what you say 50 years from now, so choose your words carefully. Steve Siebold, CSP ( 5:58 )
2 thoughts on “Mental Toughness Training for Parents with Kids in Sports”
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Mike,
Thanks for another insightful comment. Coach Jim sounds like a special guy. I wish all coaches working with kids had his wisdom and philosophy. I also agree that this kind of coaching comes from love. Winning and losing is actually the least important piece of the puzzle.
I look forward to reading more of youre comments, Mike. Thanks for your ongoing participation.
All the best,
Steve Siebold
http://www.coachingmentaltoughness.com
Excellent, Steve. I spent ten years teaching high school and the finest coach I ever knew personally taught in the same high school with me in Kalamazoo and we got to know each other well.
What my buddy Jim taught was character, integrity, commitment, AND that you put your grades first so that you can get into college if that’s your direction at the top of your class.
Jim had winning and losing seasons in track and field BUT he had decades of success teaching the qualities your blog audio gets at and what really matters to families, communities and a country if it’s going to be strong.
Jim was and is loved, and retired now he continues to keep in touch with hundreds of former students representing thousands he mentored and coached out of a heart of love and compassion.
Jim was tough love with a twinkle in his eyes – my daughters were blessed to have him for their U. S. History teacher. My philosophy was the same as his which was why we saw eye to eye though I never coached sports. BUT teaching the subjects I taught were an excuse – I wanted them to learn well English and the other related language arts I taught – or reason to teach character and commitment, self respect and joy.
What your audio message is about for me, Steve, is teaching from and about love. Through all that you can also become a world class performer in sports.
Thanks for another blog entry to ponder and stimulate thought.
Mike