How you communicate non-verbally with your sports kids is critical. To help kids feel more confident, be sure to smile when they look at you. Watch what you do with your arms and hands. Often, coaches are hugging their coffee mugs–suggesting they’re having a hard time waking up and aren’t really ready to pay attention.
In addition, if your arms are tightly wrapped in front of your chest, you’re suggesting that you’re not relaxed. If you throw your hands up in disgust after your child makes a mistake, your children will likely get the message that you’re not happy. This distracts kids and makes them fearful of making more mistakes.
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Check out The Ultimate Sports Parent workbook for more sports parenting tips.
