Most of us can agree that athletics has a lot to offer our youth. One thing I see too often is a parent trying to "over-coach" their child from the stands, the car, and at home. Put yourself in their position. If your boss was constantly trying to coach you during inopportune times, it would be overwhelming, right? The best thing you can do is let your child lead the talks post game/practice. Ask open ended questions. Ask them if they want your input. They are entitled to time to decompress after practices and games. Your role as parent is to support them and create a safe space where they can come to you to talk about their sport experiences and ask for advice when needed. They need to know that you are in their corner, whether they are good at their sport or not.
Parents need to remember that everyone has a role in playing sports. We have coaches, players, officials, and parents. Parents can best support their child staying in their role. Being encouraging and supportive is the role they need to fill. When they venture out into other roles is when problems occur.
An essential tip for parents who want to support their child's athletic endeavors without being overbearing is to respect your child’s athletic goals rather than imposing your own. Let them take the lead in discussing what they want to achieve, and provide support that aligns with their aspirations. When kids see that their parents appreciate the process, it takes the pressure off performance and helps them stay motivated and resilient. This approach fosters autonomy, keeps the sport enjoyable, and ensures they stay motivated on their own terms.