I grew up playing sports … a lot of them. I always wanted to win in whatever I was doing. Now that I’m a parent and raising my children, I want them to win, too. Some may think my rationale is “wrong” or “too much pressure” for a kid, but ultimately isn’t winning what we all want for ourselves and kids? Not just in sports, but in life?
So why in today’s youth sports environment is winning becoming less and less important? Let me be clear, there has to be balance. A winning mentality isn’t one of selfish nature. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Coachability and being a team player are just a few characteristics that come to mind. Two qualities I feel that us as parents can help instill in our competitive children. I may lose a few ‘thumbs up’ on this comment, but not everyone is a winner or has a winning mentality. We see it all the time in youth sports – the S.O.F.T. athlete/family:
Sensitive to coaching/constructive feedback
Often feels entitled to success
Focused on their own wants/needs
Tolerates average effort from themselves and others
I am a competitive sports mom and proud of it. I am very in-tune with the sport(s) that my child is playing and you won’t catch me chit-chatting much during games. Sometimes this can be mis-perceived as being too intense or non-social.
I want my kids to win and be surrounded by winners. People who strive to do their very best in whatever they are doing. Not only in sports, but in life.