Parents

Through our network of experts and resources, we will provide advice to parents on what it's like to parent an elite athlete.  Our goal is to provide useful information and advice on parenting the competitive athlete.  To do that, we are going to need your help. If you are parent of a competitive athlete, we hope you will share what you have learned with other parents. Please consider writing a blog, contributing an article, posting on and/or hosting a Forum. If you know of someone who you think has knowledge to share, ask him or her to join or contact us. Together we can make parenting the elite athlete less stressful and more enjoyable for both parent and child.

Resources:   Eligibility Issues, Student Support Services, Alternative Career Opportunities Tips  Parent Support Services

 

NEWS UPDATE….

Trojans Are Not Making the Grades…Read More

 

TIPS ON BEING A GOOD SPORTS PARENT

BE SUPPORTIVE OF THE COACH

In front of your student be supportive and positive of the coach’s decisions. If you have problems with what the coach is doing, it is best to talk directly with the coach.

TEACH RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY

There will be times when you disagree with a coach or official, but always remember they are trying their best and are trying to be fair. Show good sportsmanship by being positive.

LET THE COACH DO THE COACHING

When your student is competing, let the coach do the coaching. You can teach sportsmanship and how to deal with success and failure. Develop your student athlete’s

character and teach life skills that athletics bring to the forefront.

LET YOUR STUDENT CREATE THEIR OWN SPORTS MEMORIES

Separate your sports life from theirs. Let your student discover their own sports successes. Help to calm the stormy waters, but let them handle the navigational problems. They will be their own person which will most likely be different than you.

HELP YOUR CHILD LEARN THROUGH FAILURE

The way your student handles failure can help them to face the certain failures life will throw them in the future. The worst time for you as a parent to give advice is immediately after a disappointment. Let your student cope in their own way, then, at some later time they will be much more receptive to words of correction or advice from you.

GET TO KNOW THE COACH

Since the coach has a powerful influence on your student, take the time to attend the preseason parent meeting and get to know the coach’s philosophy, expectations and knowledge.

FOCUS ON YOUR CHILD AS AN INDIVIDUAL

Focus on what your student does well and where they need to improve. Forget about the progress or success of other athletes.

LISTEN TO YOUR CHILD…BUT STAY RATIONAL

Always listen to your student, but remember to stay rational until you have investigated the situation. Remember, students can exaggerate their woes and heroics.

BE MINDFUL OF YOUR ROLE AS A ROLE MODEL

Take a good, honest look at your actions and reactions in the athletic arena. These actions are a big cue to your student and to others around you.

SHOW UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

The most important thing – show your student you love them, win or lose.