Successful Parenting

There are five things you can do as a parent to show your children (and other parents) what being "a good sport" is really all about, says sports psychologist, Shane Murphy.

There are :(1) look for a program that emphasizes skill development over winning; (2) look for sports activities your child will enjoy; and (3) ask whether your under-12 child needs to participate in competitive sports at all.

Being a parent of a young athlete is not easy. Helping your child handle the ups and downs of competition is hard enough. But most challenging is learning how to manage your own emotions.

No adult involved in American youth soccer scene deliberately sets out to destroy the love of the game for the players. Rather, they often get caught up in the anxiety of the moment and do not have the skills to handle the pressure and consequently act out or speak inappropriately. When referees, coaches and players are able to stay in the zone of optimal performance, then the atmosphere provides for a high level of enjoyable soccer. The love of the game is strengthened.