How Can Parents Keep Their Kids Motivated to Try Sports When They Don’t Do Well at First?

Parents often wonder how to motivate their kids to continue trying sports, especially when they don’t perform well initially. This article provides insights and strategies to help parents navigate this challenge, focusing on intrinsic motivation and positive reinforcement.

Understanding the Challenge: Where Does the Motivation Lack?

One common reason kids may lose motivation is when they do not perform well in their chosen sport. Parents might mistakenly believe that if their child does not succeed at first, they are not suited for that sport. However, it is crucial to let the child decide based on their interests rather than their performance.

Explore Alternatives and Improvement Pathways

If your child isn’t interested in continuing a particular sport, ask if they would like to try something new. Concurrently, you can research together ways to improve their skills at the sport they are struggling with. This can be done by looking at training methods, watching tutorial videos, or even finding a coach.

Here are some useful resources for finding the 8 cheapest sports for kids.

Rethinking Success: Focusing on Growth Over Results

The issue often lies in children being overly results-focused. This stems from the behavior of adults around them, such as reacting to a child’s performances.

Encouraging Intrinsic Motivation

Instead of drawing attention to results, which can drive the need for external validation, focus on your child's growth compared to their own progress. This approach helps them find intrinsic motivation, distinguishing success from defeating others.

For example, if your child is struggling but trying hard in a new sport, you could say, “You did your best again today.” This simple statement acknowledges their effort and encourages them to keep trying without tying success to external validation.

Strategies for Supporting Struggling Kids in Sports

Here are some practical strategies that can help support your child through a challenging period in their sports journey:

Lying or Exaggerating Results?

Be cautious about lying or exaggerating to boost your child’s confidence. Instead, focus on positive encouragement and constructive feedback. Realistic and consistent feedback is more helpful in the long run.

Create Positive and Fun Environments

Choose sports and activities that provide fun and laughter. Group team games can be particularly effective in masking skill deficiencies. Team sports, especially those with lots of fun and camaraderie, can help your child feel more comfortable and engaged.

Focus on Participation and Growth

Emphasize the importance of participating and growing, regardless of the outcome. Winning is not the only measure of success. Celebrate small victories and improvements, and be proud of the effort your child is putting in.

Great Coaches Make All the Difference

Coaches play a crucial role in nurturing a child’s interest and confidence in sports. A good coach can provide structured guidance, keep the activities enjoyable, and inspire kids to push their limits.

Empowerment Through Small, Manageable Goals

Instead of setting large, daunting goals, encourage incremental improvements. Talk about what they can do, how they can improve, and always focus on the process, not the outcome. Criticism and negative feedback should be avoided to prevent discouragement.

Celebrate Effort, Not Talent

Avoid saying your child is “great” at something, as this can kill the intrinsic drive to improve. Instead, emphasize the value of effort and the journey of getting better. Effort is the real incentive for your child.

Maintain the Smile

Encourage a positive attitude and a light-hearted approach. A smile goes a long way in making activities enjoyable and less stressful. Taking the activities too seriously can detract from the fun.

Listen and Be Supportive

Listen to your child’s concerns and offer empathy. If they are upset, offer to call it a day. Sometimes, taking a break can help them refocus later. Letting them choose when to return to a sport can also be empowering.

Finding the Right Sport for Your Child

Every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Encourage them to try different sports and activities to see what they enjoy.;

My daughter, for instance, has a fascination with horseback riding. Even though she is not the most agile or competitive, I continue to sign her up for lessons. Her sense of “I can ride” is good for her. She tried karate and soccer too, and might return to either one day. I tried not to put too much pressure on her to choose a traditional sport, as I wanted her to figure out what she truly enjoys.

Conclusion

Helping your child stay motivated in sports is a journey that requires patience and understanding. By focusing on growth, creating a supportive environment, and encouraging a positive attitude, you can empower your child to find intrinsic motivation and enjoy the process of improving their skills.