Winning and losing is an everyday occurrence in youth athletics and according to the scoreboard, not everyone comes out a winner. How a young athlete learns to handle losses in athletics can influence how they handle successes and failures in other areas of life.
While many kids imitate professional athletes’ play on the field, it is also inevitable that they will pick up many of their character traits as well, both good and bad. In professional sports there is no shortage of emotional antics associated with winning and losing. From celebratory high-fives, chest bumping with teammates, excessive use of profanity or the occasional post game press conference outburst—kids are exposed to it all.

Even though children often idolize professional athletes, parents are still the most influential presence in their lives. We are the role models for our children. Our behavior as parents should be watched and examined just as closely. Here are a few questions parents should consider:

1—Have I taught my child the right way to handle losing? How do you react when the team you are rooting for is on the losing end? This could be watching the team your child plays on from the sidelines, or viewing your favorite team on television. Emotional expression is critical part of all athletic competitions, both from the participants and spectators. However, negative emotions and vulgar outbursts have no place in youth sports.

2—Am I openly critical about the coaching, officiating or other teammates in front of my child? This is a serious matter that can bring division between players, parents and coaches. Openly criticizing the team in front of a child encourages them to believe that they have a right to do them same. It also allows them to place the blame on others for lack of performance.

3—Do I treat my child differently after a loss then after a win?
Many athletes get their sense of personal worth from how they perform on the field. This can lead a child into an emotional roller coaster of exciting highs when they win, and depressing lows when they lose. Try to encourage your child after a loss, the same as you would after a win.

Kids and their peers put enough pressure on themselves to perform. The role of parents should be one of support and encouragement. The goal of youth athletics is maximum effort, unselfish play and plenty of fun. If followed, your child will always be on the winning team, no matter what the scoreboard says.