Allow Your Child to Speak for Themselves

by Anonymous
(Texas)

As a coach, we encourage our players to approach us themselves with any questions regarding their roles on the team, or how they can improve to achieve more playing time, etc.

As a parent, often we want to take on our child's cause whether they want us to or not. One of the most important skills a young athlete can learn is how to speak with their coaches... "What can I improve on to be more valuable to my team?" instead of parents pounding the door demanding to know why their kid isn't playing, etc.

Coaches regard this approach as the athlete showing respect, and being willing to work on improvement... instead of the coach being put into a defensive position, they can do their work... and help the athlete.