Dealing with Coaches Who Play Favorites Summary: Sports parents often worry when coaches who play favorites and give their children less playing time. The first step is to confirm whether favoritism is real by observing practices, games, and speaking with others. If concerns remain, parents have the right to respectfully … Read Sport Psychology Tip
What to do When Coaches Bully their Students Summary: Coaches play a powerful role in shaping young athletes’ confidence and mental health. So if coaches bully their sports kids, it can have a negative impact on the development of their young athletes. Some coaches believe shouting motivates athletes, but research … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Competition is Inherent to Sports Summary: Young athletes respond to competition in different ways. Some enjoy the challenge while others fear mistakes, pressure, or judgment. Kids who hold back often struggle with fear of failure, high expectations, or concerns about how they look to teammates, which can limit improving competitiveness. … Read Sport Psychology Tip
How to Communicate with Your Child Summary: Parents communicate with their kids through words, tone, body language, and expressions. Communicating positively helps children enjoy sports and feel supported. Kids may have both good and bad experiences in sports, so parents need to respond thoughtfully.isten attentively, avoid lecturing, and focus on … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Homeschooling Youth Athletes Summary: Homeschooling offers young athletes flexibility to balance academics and sports. It allows more time for training, travel to competitions, and skill development. Homeschooled athletes can still engage socially through sports teams, leagues, and community programs. Parents should guide their children to manage schedules, avoid early specialization, … Read Sport Psychology Tip
Jane H. Scarrow’s Kids’ Sports Psychology Success Story Summary: Young athletes can overcome performance anxiety and perfectionism using structured mental game strategies. Tools like worksheets, confidence piggy banks, and pre-shot routines help athletes focus on process goals, stay calm, and trust themselves. Supportive but non-intrusive parental involvement allows kids to … Read Sport Psychology Tip