Sports should be about lessons, not pressure

These days there can be a lot of pressure on kids to achieve in sports.

Youth sports have gotten ultra competitive and sometimes, as parents, we can get wrapped up in wanting to win no matter what. Today a reminder from Boys Town – Compete with Character and remember the big picture.

“If my child only learned the skills of the sport I’d be a little disappointed,” said Coach Kevin Kush, Boys Town Head Football Coach. “Ask parents and they’ll tell you, ‘the reason I want my child in sports so they learn discipline.’ They want them to learn how to work together on a team, but somehow as adults we lose the big picture when we get into it because it’s so competitive.”

Here are 5 ways to be supportive and help your child compete with character.

1. First, Emphasize competing and not defeating – it’s not all about winning, but be a good competitor

2. Don’t compare your child to other athletes or kids, help them be the best they can be

3. Don’t get caught up in the numbers or how many points are scored

4. Support kids and don’t judge or push them too hard

5. And finally reinforce good behavior and good choices on the court or field.

Winning is great, but it’s a known fact that the number one reason kids give up sports is because they’re not having fun. It’s extremely important to keep sports fun so they can continue to learn life lessons through these activities. If you’d like more information and parenting advice visit

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