Why parents shouldn’t attend their kids’ sports practices
Don’t feel guilty if you can’t attend your kids’ after-school sports practices, says two-time Olympic gold medalist Abby Wambach.
The former U.S. Women’s National Team soccer star says leaving your kids with their teammates and coaches without your supervision can help them become more resilient, conscientious and intrinsically motivated athletes. in question In an interview on NBC’s “TODAY Show” on Oct. 21. Parenting experts say all of these traits can help them grow and become successful adults.
“Leave your kids … sit in your car, play on your phone, do whatever you want to do, read a book, go for a walk, but don’t go to practice,” said Wambach, a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame who now has three stepchildren. “This is the time for your kids to play instead of looking over their shoulders [to see if a parent is watching]”
If a child looks around and sees their parents looking at them from the sidelines, it can “outsource their motivation” and make them nervous or overly eager to impress, Wambach said. September 23 episode From the “Welcome to the Party” podcast.
“Nothing should stop them from trying something new, taking risks, making mistakes, trying things out, being successful,” Wambach said, adding: “We want our children to be self-starters and intrinsically motivated.”
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Children with intrinsic motivation are more likely to become adults who always try to do their best, no matter who is watching. Encouraging children to develop a sense of agency can similarly help them become self-motivated and successful adults, neuropsychologist William Stixrud said in a March 28 article. section From the “Raising Good People” podcast.
“[Your] Its mission is not to make sure they turn out a certain way or that they always do a good job, but [but] helping them figure out who they want to be, what kind of life they want, and how to create the life they want,” Stixrud said. “So they can ultimately manage their own lives before they leave home.”
When you go to your kids’ sports games, don’t give them tips on how to run faster or kick harder, Wambach advised in his podcast. Instead, they “downplay the consequences of winning or losing and overemphasize leadership actions,” noting that they or other players are good teammates.
Ask your child, “What did you see as a special win there today that had nothing to do with the scoreline?” ask. Wambach said. “Did you see your teammate cheering? Did you take the cones for your coach without being asked?”
Disclosure: NBC and CNBC are divisions of NBCUniversal.
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