A Parent’s Guide to Watching Competitions: Support with Respect.
A Parent’s Guide to Watching Competitions: Support with Respect:
Watching your child compete is a thrilling experience, but how you show your support from the sidelines can make a big difference in their overall experience. As a parent, it’s important to cheer respectfully, support them regardless of the outcome, and ensure your attitude reinforces their love for the game. Here’s how to be a positive presence during their competitions:
1. Cheer Respectfully
Your enthusiasm is important, but it should always remain respectful. Encourage, but don’t criticize. Focus on cheering for your child and their team rather than critiquing their performance or the officiating. Use positive language and shout phrases like “Great effort!” or “Nice play!” to uplift everyone involved. Respect opponents and officials and avoid negative comments about the opposing team, referees, or coaches.
2. Treat Them the Same, Win or Lose
Your child’s value isn’t tied to the results, or wins and loses. Focus on effort and acknowledge their hard work, dedication, and improvement, regardless of the score. Be consistent and offer the same level of support and kindness after losses as you do after wins. Celebrate the effort over the results. Avoid pressure and refrain from expressing disappointment or placing blame for a poor outcome.
3. Don’t Let Results Change Your Attitude
How you react to wins and losses sets the tone for your child’s perception of competition. Celebrate the process and highlight the lessons they’ve learned and the fun they’ve had, not just the outcome. By focusing on the process you increase the chances of a win. Focus on the win and the process suffers and wins are less likely to happen. Focusing on the process (work ethic) equals wins. Stay positive as your consistent encouragement helps them stay motivated and resilient. Be present and show interest in their experience beyond the scoreboard, stay off your cell phone.
4. Support Them No Matter the Outcome
Your unconditional support matters most. Express pride and let them know you’re proud of their effort and commitment. Reframe challenges and help them see setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Provide emotional support and offer a listening ear if they’re upset, and help them process their feelings constructively.
5. Be Mindful of Your Presence
Your behavior at competitions reflects on your child. Respect boundaries and allow them to focus on the game without drawing unnecessary attention. Avoid over-involvement and refrain from coaching from the sidelines or stepping into team dynamics. Model sportsmanship and demonstrate respect and kindness toward all participants. Remember body language is just as important as what you say. How you react physically to their play(s) is just as important as what you say verbally. Stay off your cell phones and let them know they are important enough to give them your attention.
6. Celebrate Their Love for the Game
Ultimately, the goal is to nurture their passion for their sport. Highlight work ethic, process, and fun over results, and remind them of why they started playing in the first place. Encourage balance and support their involvement in other activities and interests to prevent burnout. Foster team spirit and celebrate their role as a teammate, whether they’re a starter or on the bench.
Final Thoughts
Your role as a supportive and respectful spectator can significantly enhance your child’s experience in sports. By focusing on their effort, maintaining a positive attitude, and celebrating their journey, you help create a healthy and enjoyable environment for them to grow both on and off the field. Remember, it’s not just about the competition; it’s about fostering their love for the game and building lifelong memories.