Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro, the mother of soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo, stands as a beacon of unwavering support and inspiration in his remarkable journey. Faced with financial challenges, she selflessly nurtured Ronaldo’s burgeoning passion for soccer, recognizing his extraordinary talent from an early age. Maria Dolores not only encouraged his dreams but also made significant sacrifices to ensure his success, embodying the essence of resilience and determination. Her steadfast belief in Ronaldo’s potential, coupled with her enduring support, propelled him to greatness. Through adversity, Maria Dolores instilled in Ronaldo the values of hard work, perseverance, and the profound impact of a mother’s boundless love, creating a narrative that transcends the realms of sport and resonates as a testament to the power of familial dedication in the face of adversity.
What is the Role of the Parents in Every Athlete?
Foundational Pillars of Attitude and Behavior
At MyMentalCoach we believe sports parents are the first coaches, shaping a child‘s attitude, discipline, and behaviors. These qualities extend beyond sports, influencing how a child navigates life. The critical aspect lies in molding the young athlete into a positive and responsible human being, a responsibility unique to sports parents.
The Uniqueness of Sports Parenting
Challenges and Demands of Athletic Pursuits
While all parents impart life skills, sports parents face distinct challenges. Young athletes encounter unique environments, often uncomfortable and emotionally charged. Unlike regular parenting, the demands and pressures on budding athletes necessitate a conscious effort to impart specific skills crucial for their development.
Explore this video “Role of Parents in Sports” to gain insights into the multifaceted responsibilities that sports parents undertake in nurturing their children’s athletic development.
How do you Parent an Athlete?
In-Game Requirements
1. Identifying the Right Coach
Parents play a key role in finding a coach who possesses the right expertise and, more importantly, establishes a strong connection with the child. The motivational bond between coach and child significantly influences the child’s success.
2. Patience with the Coach
Instead of hastily switching coaches based on short-term results, parents should exhibit patience and trust in the coach’s methods. Trusting the coach fully is essential for the child’s consistent development.
3. Providing the Right Support Staff
Similar to the Indian cricket team’s support staff, parents can play a vital role in ensuring their child’s holistic development by assembling a support team that goes beyond the field. If feasible, including strength trainers, physiotherapists, and mental coaches can provide invaluable support.
Just as the cricket team relies on a collaborative effort for success, a well-rounded support system can contribute to a child’s overall growth and well-being. This approach fosters a nurturing environment where each member of the support team plays a unique role, contributing to the child’s journey with humility and care.
Off-Game Requirements
1. Sports Parent Attitude
Parents should adopt a balanced perspective, understanding that while results are important, the journey and process hold equal significance. Recognizing the various layers of success beyond just results is crucial.
2. Balanced Home Environment
Parents must create a home environment where the child can relax and enjoy leisure time, balancing the strict schedules of a developing athlete.
3. Vision Mapping
Collaborating with sports parents to create a vision map helps strategize the child’s athletic journey over the next 5-8 years. This proactive approach involves planning steps and changes in the parent’s perspective for greater success.
Behaviors Sports Parents Should Embrace
1. Prioritize the Child, Not Just the Athlete
Remind yourself to see the child first and the athlete second, maintaining a balanced perspective.
2. Active Listening
Allow the child to express themselves without immediate advice, fostering open communication.
3. Encourage a Growth Mindset
Promote a mindset focused on improvement, learning from failures, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
4. Provide Emotional Support
Be a supportive parent rather than a coach, offering a comforting presence during both successes and failures.
5. Allow Natural Development
Recognize the importance of time and space for the child’s development, understanding that there are no shortcuts to success.
Watch this video to get a clear idea of the behaviors sports parents should incorporate for their young athletes.
Behaviors Sports Parents Should Avoid
1. Respond, Don’t React
Reacting emotionally in challenging situations can be detrimental. Instead, respond thoughtfully to maintain a positive environment.
2. Balanced Reaction to Success and Failure
Avoid overemphasizing success and be neutral during failures, acknowledging them as integral parts of the learning journey.
3. Exhibit Positive Behavior
Display positive body language and gestures during your child’s games, as negative behavior can impact the child negatively.
4. Avoid Comparisons
Resist the temptation to compare your child with others, recognizing that every child’s journey is unique.
5. Don’t Let Ambitions Dictate
Understand that the child’s sports journey is theirs, not the parents’. Avoid imposing personal ambitions on the child’s path.
View the video titled “Don’t be that sports parent” to gain a clear understanding of behaviors to steer clear of in supporting your child’s athletic journey.
Training for Sports Parents
Understanding the Mental Aspect
MyMentalCoach provides a program for parents that gives insights into the mental challenges their children face during competitions. Understanding these challenges allows parents to support their child’s mental well-being better.
Integration of Body, Skills, and Mind
Through this program, you will understand the importance of mental training alongside physical and technical training. Integrating these aspects ensures that the child is equipped to handle pressure and sustain success during critical times.
A Message to Sports Parents
Acknowledge your child as a priceless possession with unique talents. Nurturing involves not only technical and physical aspects but also mental training. The integration of body, skills, and mind is crucial for success, especially in moments of pressure. Initiate mental training alongside physical and technical aspects to fortify the foundation for your child’s success.
“Start mental training the way you train your body and skills.” Dr. Swaroop Savanur
