By the age of 13, over 70% of children stop playing competitive sports”, according to a shocking study done by the National Alliance for Youth Sports, a non-profit sports education and research organization based in Florida, USA.

The question of how to motivate your child as an athlete is complex. On the one hand, you want what’s best for your child, so you may have a tendency to push them. On the other hand, you may want to take a step back and allow your child to naturally grow into a sports star while having fun. Whatever option you may choose, successfully motivating your child is a is a delicate balancing act.

Setting realistic expectations as a parent

Overwhelming research by Freud and B.F Skinner tells us that the parents have the greatest influence on the direction of their children’s lives. Consequently, the way parents interact with kids is probably the catalyst for success or failure in sports. If you’re a parent of a budding athlete, consider applying some of these principles:

1. It’s about the fun
2. The 10 000 hours principle
3. Be realistic – Sports is hard
4. Speak to other people
5. Make use of blueprints

1. Compete with yourself.
2. Be there for your child.
3. Failure is the catalyst for success
4. Invest in your athlete