After your child has had a loss or bad experience through sports it can be difficult to keep them interested or motivated. They have the love of the sport, but maybe they just have to work harder than other players. Using motivation and inspirational quotes could help. We all know kids hate listening to their parents, however just leave little inspirational notes for them and they will read them.
Simple phrases by Paul Coffey like “Nobody’s a natural. You work hard to get good and then work to get better. It’s hard to stay on top.” Professional tennis player Arthur Ashe said “You are never really playing an opponent. You are playing yourself, your own highest standards, and when you reach your limits, that are real joy.” Ray Knight reminds us how “Concentration is the ability to think about absolutely nothing when it is absolutely necessary.”
Competing is just as much mental as it is physical. We often forget we are still dealing with children that don’t always realize and know how to deal with these types of situations. It is the child that needs to act with enthusiasm and dedication before they can reach their full potential. Having a good coach also helps in this process. Don’t pressure your child to compete but motivate them. It is our job as parents and adults to encourage and help them grow and learn. It is important not just who wins, but to learn the value of sportsmanship, determination, teamwork and trust.
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