BRIGHT FUTURES: PARENTING THE MODERN-DAY
STUDENT-ATHLETE
By Skylar Jewel
IJGA Director of Mental Performance / Character
Mentor importantly, how can we encourage a positive
mental health environment while encouraging
long-term growth?
BRIGHT FUTURES: PARENTING
THE MODERN-DAY STUDENT-
ATHLETE Rather than strictly comparing and contrasting
these styles, let’s more importantly understand
the number one influencer for long-term sport
participation: FUN.
As a parent, providing the very best for your child
has come under intense scrutiny. It often seems
that no matter what has transpired, there is a
downside or a “better way” that has just been
discovered. This has been particularly prevalent in
the junior sporting world where “parenting” has
become a hot button issue. So how does a parent
support their child while providing for their future
in sports?
Have you heard any of these parenting terms:
Helicopter Parents, Tiger Mom, Free-Range
Parenting, Instinctive Parenting, Authoritative
Parenting, Authoritarian Parenting. These are
just a few of the many parenting styles in today’s
society. While a core four to five parenting styles
remain the focus of research, there have been
many different versions of these styles which have
emerged under speculation. Which style has the
greatest influence on sports performance? Most
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It has been quantified that in the early stages
of sports participation that a “FUN” learning
experience is a foundational key element to
healthy and lasting sports participation. Use the
following steps to make sure you develop the
enjoyment FIRST:
EFFORT RATHER THAN
RESULTS
Encourage the effort towards long-term goals
and aspirations, rather than the short-term results.
Growth and development are the primary focus!
Help your child to compare themselves to their
yesterday, not somebody else’s today
There a many different starting points and rates of
development, it is important to remain focused on
their own journey, not someone else’s. Progress,
no matter how small, is still progress.