When sports kids start calling themselves “losers,” “chokers,” “wimps” or other negative names, it’s a bad sign. These athletes have a little voice in their head that’s constantly putting them down. And, as we’ve said many times before, confidence is what sports kids need most to feel successful, improve and have fun.
To avoid this help your athletes identify the negative labels they use to describe themselves. They could be “I’m too small,” or “I always strike out.” These are all confidence busters. Help them get rid of these labels anyway they can. For example, writing them down on a piece of paper, and tear it up.
Help kids’ kick perfectionism. Visit Sports Parents’ Top Dilemma to find out how.