Balancing helpfulness and harm is a common challenge for parents. Even with good intentions, moms and dads can interfere in ways that are unhelpful. Fortunately, not all is lost! You can build encouragement and perseverance by recalling a few important truths, including the following:
❌ Mistakes Happen
Mistakes are part of the game; even the most experienced players can’t be expected to be perfect on the field. Accepting this not only promotes realistic expectations but also builds a solid foundation for a healthy relationship with your child. Parents who demand perfection from their kids are flawed themselves: they create pressure most kids can’t handle.
🎯 After the Game Counts More Than During
Depending on your child’s age, a soccer game can last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. In short, it’s just a small part of the time you and your child spend together. The real bonding happens between games. This downtime gives you a chance to talk with your child about their feelings, goals, and worries; it’s also a great time to encourage them to develop their skills.
👏 Cheering is Different from Coaching
It’s natural to get excited during a game and shout directions at your child, encouraging them to shoot or move to the other side of the field. However, this can be risky, as your instructions might contradict the game plan. Instead of crossing into coaching territory, stick with cheering and try to recognize the difference.
🏁 Refs are People Too
Refs often seem like the enemy, a striped opponent out to ruin your fun. But, in reality, they’re people just like you. Do refs make mistakes? Of course, just like everyone else. Still, most referees try to be fair and unbiased when enforcing the rules, not driven by their own biases. Keep this in mind and avoid yelling at the ref; that’s more likely to backfire than help.
⏳Patience is a Virtue…and a Necessity
Getting caught up in your child’s success is easy, especially as their soccer skills improve and college scholarships seem within reach. Still, no one becomes a star overnight: It takes training, hard work, and plenty of practice. This is where patience matters: you might be eager for soccer fame, but take a moment; your child will get there eventually.
👟 Quick Summary Takeaway
- DO: Be patient, accept mistakes, and build a relationship with your child during games.
- DON'T: Take your frustrations out on the refs, demand perfection, or interfere with the game plan.
Bottom line: Achieving success in soccer takes time. Building support rather than applying pressure creates a foundation for your child's growth and confidence.
At PTJ Shoes, we aim to inspire players of all levels to celebrate their individuality and play confidently. We take pride in being a brand built on passion, guided by family values, and created for the next generation of game-changers. Check out our top collection of cleats here.
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Winning Isn’t the Only Thing: How to Support a Player Without Adding Pressure