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Do put the needs of the
young soccer play first. Those needs, especially when the child is young,
are to have fun and play a sport because it’s something they enjoy doing.
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Do create an environment
in which children can express themselves without being judged. Encourage
without letting them think it’s the be-ball and end-all of their
existence, or, worse, yours
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Do encourage the young
player to concentrate and to develop self-control. Muttering, getting
angry kicking air, flouncing all distract from skills development.
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Do offer security .A
parent’s measure of the child’s success should be the effort put in .if
children give 100 per cent and lose, they should never be chastised
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Do monitor your reactions
when your child competes. Even the raising eyebrow can be interpreted as
negative. Your child has enough to do without being responsible for your
feelings too.
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Don’t demand a return on
your investment. A child who shows out standing talent is going to need a
lot of time and money. Your Desiree to extract a reward is understandable
but not helpful.
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Don’t be
outcome-orientated. If parents set the goal, then the children will be
playing to please them rather then to get the best out of them; a sure way
to stifle natural flair and spontaneity.
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Don’t denigrate or judge
by an adult yardstick. Your child’s decision-making ability is not as
refined as yours. They might know the right thing to do but their bodies
aren’t mature enough to act promptly on the brain’s instructions.
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Don’t brand children and
burden them too young. Give them opportunities to play, and if you can see
they have special abilities, to progress. Always remember it’s a long-term
process.
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Don’t press for them to
be moved into an older group. Playing soccer is also for them to develop
socially and gain independence and confidence, not to set records.
