In today’s episode of the PerformHappy podcast, we’re diving into the high-pressure world of youth sports, where young athletes often grapple with the stress of impending competitions, potential setbacks, and the fear of disappointment. As parents, we’re all too familiar with the challenges our young gymnasts and athletes face during this time of year, and we’re here to provide some valuable insights.
We’re taking a page out of child psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy’s book, who has inspired us with her innovative parenting strategies. Dr. Becky’s work has offered a fresh perspective on how we, as sports parents, can support our young athletes as they navigate the hurdles and pressures that come with their sport.
The competition season can be a nerve-wracking period for young gymnasts. They may find themselves struggling to meet their goals, falling behind in skill progression, or even facing injuries. It’s a time when life throws curveballs at them, and for many, their identity is closely tied to their sports performance. As parents, it’s natural to wonder, “How can I help my child during this challenging time?” We often witness our young athletes feeling like their dreams are slipping through their fingers, and it’s a tough spot to be in.
In this episode, we’re going to explore a solution inspired by Dr. Becky’s work. We’ll discuss how we can help our young athletes cope with the pressures of competition season and the possibility of disappointment. Dr. Becky’s approach focuses on enhancing awareness, resilience, and self-reliance, providing our children with the tools they need to handle both the ups and downs of their athletic journey.
In this episode, Coach Rebecca talks about:
00:04 Effective parenting strategies and imperfections.
02:20 Helping kids navigate pressure and disappointment in sports.
06:30 Coping with setbacks in life.
12:01 Building resilience in children.
14:59 Growth mindset.
21:51 Emotional abuse in youth sports.
27:18 If your coach doesn’t listen to you get a better coach.
“Many parents see behavior as the measure of who our kids are, rather than using behavior as a clue to what our kids might need.” ―Becky Kennedy, Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be
Join us in this insightful episode where we uncover the secrets of helping our young gymnasts navigate the pressure of upcoming competitions. Dr. Becky Kennedy’s approach offers a refreshing perspective on parenting and equipping our children with the resilience they need to thrive, both in sports and in life. We hope you find inspiration and practical strategies to support your young athletes as they embark on their competitive journey. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the episode and explore how we can empower our children to excel in their sport while enjoying a happy, healthy, and successful life.
Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be by Becky Kenddy:
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/59627738
USA GYMNASTICS SAFE SPORT POLICY:
12.15.21.pdf">https://maapp.uscenterforsafesport.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Gymnastics_-Policy-Final_Approved-12.15.21.pdf
