How to Encourage Children in Sports

Focus on Your Specific Child

• 1

  Consider the age group of your child prior to selecting a sport for your child to participate in. Children of different ages have varying degrees of motor skills, abilities to interact with others and comprehension skills. You will want to select a sport for your child that allows the child to use the physical, cognitive and social skills that he already has developed, rather than selecting a sport that is too complicated in relation to these factors for your child. By doing so, your child will feel more encouraged to participate.

• 2

  Make sure that the sport you select for your child is something that is interesting to her. For example, if the child loves to dance and you chose to put her into a soccer program because you like soccer, the child will most likely not enjoy the experience or excel in it. Therefore, talk to your child if you are unsure and have her discuss sporting interests. With the child participating in the decision from the very beginning she will feel more encouraged to be part of the selected sport.

• 3

  Ensure that you and your family can support the requirements for participation in the selected sport. In other words, make sure that you are capable of having your child at practices when they occur, that you can afford the equipment needed. Also ensure that you can be in attendance for practices and games, so your child will feel encouraged through your support. You may want to build your support by working one-on-one with your child to nurture his skills, but be careful that these are not periods of high expectations or pressure.

Make the Experience Positive

• 4

  Provide the nutrition that your child needs to be capable of meeting the physical demands of the sport selected. This includes making sure that your child is provided with the proper fluids during practices and games. If your child is physically supported in his efforts, he can concentrate on the sport and enjoy the experience more thoroughly.

• 5

  Work with your child to ensure that she understands all of the rules of the sport, as well as any specific team rules that may be in existence. By accomplishing this, your child will feel more confident in her participation and be more inclined to do her best. However, pressure should not be placed on your child to be an Olympian, but rather try and have fun in the sport as part of a team.

• 6

  Be sure that you can work with the coach or coaching staff to support your child's efforts. If you are capable of communicating effectively with the coach or staff, your child will feel a greater sense of support and encouragement from all of the adults involved. In addition, make sure that the coach wants the children to have fun and not just win the game.