Youth soccer parents are often chastised by their over
involvement in the children’s game. But they’re given few
guidelines on how to help their youngsters develop a healthy
attitude toward sports. Dr. Alan Goldberg, a sports
psychologist, has developed a “Parent and Coach’s Guide for
Winning in the Youth Sports Games”. Among his tips. - Teach your
child to never view the opponent as the “bad guy”. Instead talk
to and make friends with the parents of the opponent. Root for
great performance and good play by both sides- not just for the
winner. - Encourage your child to compete against himself. The
ultimate goal of sports is to challenge oneself and continually
improve- but judging improvement by wining and losing is unfair
and inaccurate measure. If a child plays his best and loses,
help him feel like a winner- and when he or his team performs
below potential and wins, do not gloat. - Be supportive but do
not coach. Provide encouragement, empathy and transportation;
help with fundraisers- but leave the coachi