Modules
Introduction
You may feel as though watching your child compete from the sideline is one of the most stressful parts of supporting your child's athletic dreams. Stressful situations affect different people in a variety of ways, and it can have an impact on their thoughts, feelings, and actions. The ways in which you express your emotions can positively or negatively impact your child while they're competing. To help you monitor your own experience and reactions from the sideline, we'll go over the do's and don'ts of sideline behaviors and review how words and body language can help or hinder your child's performance.
Do's and Don'ts
DO praise and encourage your child while focusing primarily on the processes underlying their performance, e.g. great hustle!
DON'T make negative or derogatory comments about your child (or other children, other parents, or officials).
DO be mindful of your body language and the messages that you are expressing non-verbally. Keep your arms down, and remember to smile!
DON'T forget that your actions (overt physical gestures, as well as more subtle gestures e.g. facial expression, crossed arms) speak louder than your words. Avoid crossing your arms in front of your body.
Parent,
Your body language is important.
Can you identify productive or unproductive body language as it relates to supporting your child?
PRODUCTIVE OR UNPRODUCTIVE?
Arms Crossed in Front
LESS PRODUCTIVE
This can be perceived as if you're dissatisfied or unapproachable.
PRODUCTIVE OR UNPRODUCTIVE?
HAND TO THE FOREHEAD
UNPRODUCTIVE
This suggests that you're upset or disappointed with your child or his/her performance.
PRODUCTIVE OR UNPRODUCTIVE?
HANDS BEHIND BACK
PRODUCTIVE
This neutral position infers that you're at ease or at least open to how your child's performance might unfold.
PRODUCTIVE OR UNPRODUCTIVE?
Arms Crossed in Front
LESS PRODUCTIVE
This can be perceived as if you're dissatisfied or unapproachable.
PRODUCTIVE OR UNPRODUCTIVE?
HAND TO THE FOREHEAD
UNPRODUCTIVE
This suggests that you're upset or disappointed with your child or his/her performance.
PRODUCTIVE OR UNPRODUCTIVE?
HANDS BEHIND BACK
PRODUCTIVE
This neutral position infers that you're at ease or at least open to how your child's performance might unfold.
MAXIMIZED POTENTIAL
You've identified that your child is passionate about their sport, so this is where they can maximize their potential! Explore IMG Academy's programs that were created with your child's potential in mind.
