Parenting with Pete: Youth athletes and their parents can have successful season

Play ball! The snow has melted (not yet here in Massachusetts) and the grass will soon be green. With youth baseball, softball and soccer seasons about to start, all participants can ensure a successful, fun-filled experience.

As a former baseball and softball coach and the father of two children who played high school softball, baseball, and soccer and college softball, here are suggestions for youth athletes, coaches and parents:

The ideal athlete:

• Attends every practice and game ready to play with the appropriate equipment and uniform.
• Expresses willingness to learn new skills and play different positions.
• Cheers for all teammates.
• Practices and plays with focus, determination and joy.
• Listens to instructions.
• Maintain a positive attitude even when losing.
• Respects opposing teams and players.

The ideal coach:

• Emphasizes skill development and teamwork.
• Distributes practice and playing time fairly.
• Encourages players to try different positions.
• Communicates openly with players and parents.
• Rewards effort and participation.
• Maintains safe playing conditions.
• Pays attention to player injuries.
• Respects the game and plays by the rules.

The ideal parent:

• Follows the rules of the league and coaches.
• Communicates with the coach in an appropriate manner.
• Cheers for all players on the team.
• Cheers when an opposing player makes a good play.
• Understands that winning is not the most important outcome.
• Supports their athlete even when she or he makes a mistake.

In my experience as a coach, kids especially do not like it when:

• Their parents secretly coach them from the sidelines.
• Their parents cheer loudly and only for them.
• Their parents curse or otherwise tease or taunt other teams and players.
• Their coaches play favorites.
• Their coaches and parents think that winning is the only acceptable outcome and losing is failing.

Kids especially like it when they:

• Develop new skills.
• Have fun.
• Feel like a part of the team.
• Develop self-confidence.

Source: http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2015/03/parenting_with_pete_youth_athletes_and_their_paren.html