Strict or high expectations can undermine and hurt athletes’ confidence. Young athletes’ confidence is all about their belief in their abilities. Expectations, on the other hand, are judgments and demands that your kids place on themselves. Your kids’ expectations are usually about wanting to win or score, which focus on results.
Your young athletes should focus their energy on the process, also called the present moment, instead of outcomes or results. To avoid harmful and high expectations have your kids set process goals or small mini goals to help kids focus attention on execution only. Mini-goals focus on the small tasks your kids need to do in the present moment that will help them perform well.
Check out Kids’ Sport Psychology to learn more tips for sport parents.