Disclosure: This post is brought to you by SheSpeaks/POWERADE. Opinions shared are mine.
My career in education allows me to cheer for lots of budding athletes. JV football and basketball games develop the skills that take players to the collegiate arena. One of my former students received a silver medal in the Paraolympics. Being an athlete is a superpower! For all of my students, the biggest gift of support I can give falls within the bounds of encouragement. Sixth graders don’t always see that their skills can help them to earn scholarships and a ticket to their future. I strive to help them realize those dreams, which can be attained by athletes at all levels. So when my own personal athletes came along, giving that same support was part of my parenting style. Powerade was part of our daily routine as we drove countless hours to softball practice….
to basketball games…..
to just kicking the ball around on the soccer field.
Moms and coaches provide support to their athletes by doing all the little and big things that need to happen. Carpools, postgame snacks, and keeping teams hydrated…..these things help athletes meet their potential. Even if there’s no athlete at your house, perhaps you help out so that an athlete’s mom CAN meet those needs.
There’s potential in every heart…..whether the person is an athlete or not. At the end of the day, we’re all Just A Kid From Somewhere. By pitching in and helping each other reach our dreams, we share each other’s success by building strong communities. By wearing Just A Kid apparel, you share that message with the world, AND supporting the Boys & Girls Club of America! And hey, that Powerade can even help you earn a freebie! Purchase two 8-packs of 20 oz POWERADE at Walmart, then go online, and submit the receipt. From there, you’ll be able to order a free custom “Just a Kid” reusable sports bottle. The offer is good until April 4, 2016 or while supplies last. My little athletes love the Mountain Berry Blast and Fruit Punch flavors!
Do you have a special athlete in your life?
My tip for moms of athletes is to relax. Moms worry so much about their children getting injured. Keep positive and supportive! 🙂
My tip for moms of athletes is to remember it’s only a game. I see so many parents getting all riled up and screaming at coaches. They need to relax and remember it’s supposed to be fun for everyone.
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Athletics had a positive impact on my daughters because it kept them out of trouble with their peers and it taught them determination.
My kids are grown now but I was a sports mom for many years. Try to become involved with the teams if possible and share the experience with your child especially at the youth level. You will never regret it.
My mom alway supported me in whatever I wanted to do, sports and otherwise. She gave up her free time to drive me around, help me practice, and watch me compete.
Just stick with your kids, they need your support.
My tip is encourage your kids to do sports they actually enjoy. 🙂
Blessings,
Edye
My tip for young athletes’ mom (and dad) is to make sure they remember to let their kids ENJOY themselves in sports. Don’t put so much pressure on the kids – it’s not the Superbowl. Let kids be kids and play sports without having to worry that his/her folks will be disappointed in them.
Hmm. I can see many potential areas and topics to write about here, and I’ve been known to be quite the quick-writer AND chatterbox. 🙂 So, I will try to focus my thoughts. …I think that I’d like to comment on something that I don’t think was given as an explicit prompt/suggestion above, but rather on something that really springs to mind for me– coming from my personal experience.
I wasn’t so much an athlete per se, but rather an “everything-ete.” Yes, I was a snowboarder– I started on my 12th birthday, and I did get quite good over the years. As I became immersed in academics (and music performance), snowboarding became more of an outlet for me rather than something that I looked as a “sport” or even a “hobby.” I could really feel free and BREATHE when I was alone up there, about to start a run. And it was EMPOWERING! to be the only girl out there, in the mid-’90s. But I digress. 🙂
…Gosh, where I am I trying to go. (I apologize.)
I was involved in so many different things in which I excelled, and I ended up dropping so many things that brought me JOY. For example, I have not played either of my two musical instruments in [?] years.
*** A TAKE-AWAY from this rambling mess…
— If you recognize potential in a young person, push/encourage him or her! If a child isn’t necessarily “really good” at a given sport/activity, but it still brings joy, encourage! There are always recreational leagues. Sports/activities need not always be competitive. There are plenty of other advantages (e.g., social, fitness).
— Don’t give up what you love, or once loved. I should pick up that trumpet; dust off that cello.
(Eek! Mess of a comment. Will still post, without re-reading. …!)
My tip is to be there for your kids when they are competing. Don’t make a fool of yourself, but let them know you believe in them.
Leave a comment on this post — What tips do you have for moms of athletes?
just dont let them be so spoiled by success that they try to get away with things normal people get put under the jail with
Always teach your child is not about winning or losing but about having fun and being with other children.
We cheer our kids on and encourage and support them.
Good sportsmanship is always important. When my son played soccer at the end of each game, each team went to the line and slapped each others’ hands, saying good game.
My kids are very young but My tip would be drink lots of water
My kidlet just started Volleyball this week. Busy schedule but so worth it!
We just encourage our girls to do their best and then cheer them on in everything that they do. Thank you!
When my kids were young and in sports, I always encouraged them to do their best and to be good sports both in winning and losing.
Weather you win or loss shoe good sportsmanship
I think playing soccer and t-ball helped my granddaughter learn about teamwork. She doesn’t always have to be the first one or the one to do it too. You have to work together.
it’s important to keep them hydrated
Attend as many games as you can, you will miss it when it’s over. Fortunately my son had several baseball scholarship offers to choose from but we just encouraged, loved attending games and private pitching lessons definitely helped. Not that my kids are grown, we definitely miss the sports.
My tip is to reinforce your children with positive feedback and let them know to enjoy themselves.
Athletics can be get building times for kids, but be watchful if they suddenly don’t want to go. Often kids can be bullied or feel inferior, and the things need to be talked about.
I help athletes out by supporting them no matter if they are good or bad at that sport.. I also support them by showing up to the sporting events.
If your kids are in an after school sport, make sure to leave a snack in their backpack to give them energy!
My niece is a great soccer player. It’s fun to watch her.
My tip is to make sure you go and watch as much as you can, you need to enjoy watching them while they are playing. Make sure they are having fun and not feeling too much pressure.
we teach our son to play his best and to never give up. it’s ok if he never scores a goal or makes a basket, as long as he played well and helped his team.
Wearing the colors of your child’s team when they play is important. If possible shop for a special shirt together in that color for you to wear.
My Sister is a hockey mom and she is so busy. It would be hard for me for I would always worry about getting hurt or feel bad when they lose and are down. My best advice is to do the best you can do. Take time off and pamper yourself too.
Make sure your athlete really wants to be part of the team. Sometimes parents think their kids should be on a team but don’t take into consideration that the child doesn’t really care for the sport.
Deep breath. Please don’t yell at the coaches or other parents. Sportsmanship is for spectators and parents, too.
Chill out and don’t argue with the coach.
Playing sports have helped my oldest son to get rid of all that extra energy he has. It causes him to be calmer when he’s not playing sports and it has had a positive impact on his behavior.
My mom always tried to make sure we kids had every chance to play whatever sports we wanted to play.
I attend all the games and I bring snacks and drinks for all the team aometimes but I also let them know that sometimes you loose and you learn from that!
Be involved. Learn about their sport and encourage them to talk to you about it.
My mom came to all my swim meets.
My best tip is just to show enthusiastic interest in your child’s sports but not to become one of those obnoxious sports moms.
Athletes need good food, plenty of rest, and plenty of downtime to relax.
We organize tailgates. So the players have tasty, healthy food choices offered to them at each meet.
Just motivate.
I am always the team mom. From baseball to dance to gymnastics, I love being able to help out the kids and encourage them and reward them.
My advice is for moms to hang in there and give all the support that you can possibly give to the kids.
we are involved in team planning and make sure we bring snacks for the team.
When they become discouraged or sadden at a loss, talk to them about role model athletes they like. They don’t win always but keep trying.
I attended some of my nephew’s soccer games.
As a former basketball player (in high school and college) I recommend as nasty as it sounds pickle pops before and after games to help prevent after game cramps.
Athletes have impacted my life in a positive way when we watch something and at the end, the teams give glory to God or pray together. What a witness!
Sports can help get kids up and active. Often they are sitting at school, then have home work, then TV…sports gets them moving.
I’ve just recently started playing roller derby and the community is amazing. Whether the sisterhood you find within your team or the camaraderie online with other skaters, it’s been an amazing way to make up for a childhood of less-than-amazing athletic experiences!
I encourage the people I teach in my swim class.
I just tell my kidlet to do her best and she’s a winner already!
My tip is to make sure that you make time to attend whatever game it is that your little athlete is part of. Showing support by being there is a huge thing for kids.
Being homeschooled, the social aspect is great for my grandkids.
Have an extra set of clothes handy for outdoor athletes in case of rain outs!
Make sure kids stay hydrated while playing. Water and oranges really are a big help in keeping active and electrolytes up.
Skiing helped my friend’s autistic son.
lots of cheering and encouraging team support
Encourage your kids to be good team mates by cheering them on even if your child isn’t playing.
No athletes in my life right now.
I encourage my child to do her best always and she knows she’s a winner!
Get involved. Whether you are good at their sport or not, help them out. Throw the ball with them or kick it around. Help them learn the rules. You showing rules and practicing are important will help them want to.
The best tip is to ALWAYS make sure your kids get enough sleep. My kids have been on a pretty strict bedtime and waking time routine since they were little. It works wonders. And it’s amazing what different kids they are when they don’t get enough sleep!
coriwestphal at gmail dot com
I would buy some Powerade for my church softball games coming up soon!!
Make sure kids know what’s expected of them if they are going to be on a team!
Tip for parents – get involved but remember is for FUN. They learn for your actions and carry it into the rest of there lives.
I enjoyed going to my childrens sports games. It’s important to support them whether they win or loose the game.
my tip is drink plenty of water
Teach your children about being a good winner and loser. One team is always going to lose. It’s ok. Teach them about working hard and doing their best, and you will always be proud of them.
My mom supported me when I played soccer growing up. She was always there to cheer me on. 🙂
I love seeing kids learn to play team sports. I think it’s a great experience for kids to learn to stand together instead of alone. As a parent, I would encourage your child to think like part of the team rather than only on their own.
We support our athletes by supporting the team! Bringing treats and water- throwing parties- any little thing to bring them together!
I recommend standing behind you children while they really need positive support in order to make it.
I recommend supporting your child through wins and losses. Also, explaining that everone can’t always win and that when you lose you need to try harder, practice and try again.
My tip is to make a schedule! Especially if you have more than one in the house – keep a good calendar to stay organized.
Be supportive and don’t coach from the sidelines.. it’s annoying.
I have RA and swimming has helped me very much.
Participating in sports can help parents teach kids how to set goals, and the perseverance & patience to achieve them.
We encourage lots of fluids on the field
Another tip for moms is to prepare timing to be there for the kids, so that they love you for the respect.
A positive attitude is the best thing for young athletes. This is my second year coaching softball for 9-12 year old girls. I stress that we need to be supportive of each other no matter the score or how we play and both on and off the field!