5 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Sports













The whistle has blown and the game's about to begin. Even if your child isn't the most athletic kid out there, they can still succeed in sports. What can parents do to help kids shine on and off the field?

1. Cheer from the sidelines.

Your child needs you to be their cheerleader, not another coach or a judge. Cheer when they do something right on the field. Point out the positive. Avoid mentioning all the things they did wrong. Leave the coaching to the coaches. Be your child's biggest cheerleader whether they're on, or off, the field.

2. Be there.

If you want your child to succeed in sports (or in anything) be present for them. Even if you know nothing about the sport or have a busy work schedule, your presence at practices and games will mean a lot to your child. Let him or her know that you are there for them no matter what they do. Your little athlete should be your number one priority. Be there. It will help encourage them to keep playing hard.

3. Make them finish what they start.

This is one lesson my husband and I have struggled with as parents, but when it comes to extracurricular activities, it definitely counts. If your son or daughter signs up for fall soccer and then decides they don't like it and what to quit, teaching them to finish what they start is an absolutely necessary life lesson. They'll use it for the rest of their lives. If they don't want to play next season, so be it. But once you make a commitment, you need to follow through. You can't be a success at sports, schooling, or life if you don't finish what you start.

4. Practice makes perfect.

You wouldn't take a spelling test without studying or play in a recital without learning the music you're going to play. The same is true of sports. Children often want to play on game day but not attend practices. My daughters regularly told me that soccer practice wasn't fun and that they just wanted to play in the games. It doesn't work that way. Require your child to fully participate in any sport they try if you want them to learn the skills necessary to truly succeed.

5. Stay active.

No sports superstar spends all day on the couch watching television. Whether you're in the off-season or it's game day, stay active with your children. Walking, playing catch in the backyard, bike riding, and playing tag together are all parts of a healthy, active lifestyle that will help your child succeed in sports and in life. Keep your little champions active all year long!

Content by Kelly Herdrich .