How Parents Can Best Support Their Young Athlete

March 26, 2025

By Kevin Burton, Athletic Director, Chelsea Piers Athletic Club

Encouraging without pressuring, fostering resilience, and setting realistic goals.

Youth sports can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both kids and their families. They teach discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and the joy of competition. However, navigating the fine line between support and pressure can be challenging for parents. How can you encourage your young athlete to reach their potential while ensuring they still enjoy the game? Here are some key strategies to consider.

Focus on Effort, Not Just Results

Wins and losses are part of the game, but the real growth comes from effort, improvement, and learning from mistakes. Praise your child for their hard work, dedication, and attitude rather than just the scoreboard. Instead of saying, “Great job scoring two goals!” try, “I loved how hard you hustled out there today.”

Let Coaches Do the Coaching

It’s natural to want to offer advice, especially if you have experience in the sport. However, too much instruction from parents can lead to confusion and frustration. Support your child by reinforcing what their coach is teaching and providing a positive environment for learning. CP-AC Head Coach Jamie Barone reiterates the best thing to say before a competition is “Have Fun. Play Hard. I Love You.” Wise words.

Create a Healthy Relationship with Competition

Teach your child that competition isn’t just about winning - it’s about personal growth. Encourage them to set personal goals, such as improving their shooting accuracy or increasing endurance, rather than just focusing on beating opponents. This will serve them well in life beyond their playing days.

Encourage Resilience Through Challenges

Every athlete will face setbacks - whether it’s losing a big game, not making a team, or struggling with performance. Help your child develop resilience by framing failures as learning opportunities. Ask, “What did you learn from today?” or “What’s one thing you want to improve next time?”

Prioritize Rest and Recovery

Burnout and overuse injuries are common in youth sports. Support your child’s long-term health by emphasizing the importance of proper rest, cross-training, and time away from organized sports. Let them take breaks and encourage them to engage in other activities they enjoy. Sometimes, more is just more, and not better.

Model a Positive Attitude

Your child takes cues from you, especially in high-pressure situations. Cheer for the team, respect officials, and show good sportsmanship whether your child wins or loses. Keeping a positive and supportive demeanor will help them develop the same mindset.

Support Their Goals - Not Yours

It’s easy for parents to project their own dreams onto their children, but every young athlete has their own path. Encourage your child to pursue what excites them, whether that’s playing multiple sports, shifting focus, or simply having fun.

Keep the Car Ride Home Positive

The moments after a game are often when kids are most vulnerable to criticism. Instead of dissecting their performance, ask open-ended questions like, “Did you have fun?” or “What was your favorite moment?” Let them lead the conversation and share when they’re ready.

In sum, the best thing you can do for your young athlete is to provide unconditional support. When kids feel encouraged rather than pressured, they develop confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of sports. By focusing on their journey rather than just the outcome, you help them grow into well-rounded individuals - on and off the field.