PARENTING

6 Things A Parent Should Say To Their Soccer Player

A lot of soccer parents with good intentions give a 30-minute lecture, covering all of the players supposed deficiencies and giving playing advice, in the car on the way to each soccer game. The kids arrive far off their optimal mental state and dreading the critique they are likely to hear, whether they want it or not, on the way home. Kids who are massaged in this way tend not to play badly, they just tend to not play. Parents need to understand that by playing soccer, there are risks. A soccer game is full of mistakes and the team that makes fewer mistakes generally wins the game. Playing soccer is willingness to chance failure, so it is important parents are there to support the player regardless of the game outcome.


The following are 6 recommended statements from a parent each and every game:

BEFORE the game:

1. I love you

2. Good luck

3. Have fun


AFTER the game:

1. I love you

2. It was great to see you play

3. What would you like to eat?


All of these statements can and should be combined or followed with a hug!