Addison Halverson, LMFT
It’s that time of year again! Birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and you’re loading your kids into the car for their Saturday morning game. You’re excited to watch your son play in his first soccer match of the season. As you drive to the field, memories of your own experiences playing the sport start to flood back. You think about the thrill of scoring a game-winning goal in high school, the coach who gave you a quirky nickname that stuck with you, and how your friend’s dad used to yell from the sidelines at every game during your 12U season. You also remember how your friend would cry when he missed a goal, put himself down with negative self-talk, and eventually quit soccer. As you reflect on these moments, you can’t help but wonder how your own kids view you at their sporting events.
Here are some tips from a former college athlete, coach, and licensed marriage and family therapist to help you support, encourage, and build resilience in your child this spring season.
1. Keep Their Age in Mind:
Remember, children are constantly learning and growing. Their “talent” on the field is far less important than their enthusiasm and willingness to be there. Kids will make mistakes—it’s part of the learning process, and sports are one of the best places to make those mistakes and keep going. This helps teach resilience. Instead of saying, “Ugh! How could you miss that goal?!” try saying, “You gave it your best shot! Great job!”
2. It’s Okay If They Don’t Like Every Sport:
Not every child will fall in love with every sport, and that’s perfectly fine. This is another chance to foster resilience. Encourage your child to finish the season, and let them know that if they want to try a new sport next season, that’s totally okay. Childhood is the time when we begin to discover our own preferences and interests. It’s perfectly normal if you grew up playing baseball but your son is more interested in swimming instead!
3. Be Mindful of How You Talk About Teammates:
How we speak about others—especially other kids—can have a big impact. If you talk negatively about a player at home, it can give your child permission to do the same. For instance, if your child says, “Wow, Garret is terrible! I wish he wasn’t on the team,” use it as an opportunity to connect with them and guide them in understanding how hurtful such comments can be. Encourage empathy and help your child learn how others might feel when they hear those kinds of remarks.
4. Have Fun Together:
Don’t forget to enjoy the process! As a family, create small traditions that make the season feel special. Maybe you and your child have a secret handshake for good luck before the game, or you take them grocery shopping to pick out their favorite Gatorade. These little rituals can create lasting, positive memories. There are plenty of ways to show your child how much you care about their spring season, both on and off the field.