If you’re a parent, you’re probably incredibly proud of your child, regardless of their athletic ability. Lots of parents think that their child is the best at everything, but it’s incredibly tough out there, and to hit the big time, there has to be exceptional potential. Very few people reach the summit. If you think your kid has got something special, and you genuinely believe that one day, their name will be up in lights, here are some tips to help you nurture the next MVP.
Spotting talent early
When you watch games at junior or high school, it’s often apparent that most of the kids have a certain level of skill. However, occasionally, you come across a child that excels, and they leave the opposition for dead. Most elite performers showed promise at a very early age, and they’ve been through the motions in terms of coaching and competition. If you think your child stands out from the crowd, consider investing in their future at an early stage. Talk to your child’s teachers and coaches and see if they share the same level of optimism and enthusiasm.
Getting your child used to competition
Training and messing around in the backyard are very different propositions to competing, and it’s really worthwhile to get used to competition and encourage your child to be able to switch between practice and competition mode. Even if they’re still very young, you can visit a trophies website, order some medals and organize mini league games at the local playing fields or host a tournament in the backyard. If they’re used to the spotlight from an early age, this will help them to cope with pressure and enable them to take their performance to the next level when it really counts.
Offering support
As a parent, you want the best for your child, and if they really have potential, it’s likely that they’re going to need your support. This doesn’t just relate to asking for advice when they’re making decisions. It’s also about being there to make sure they can make it to a match or taking them to training sessions, even if it means having to get up at 5 am on a Saturday. It’s very difficult to make it in sport, and it can be hard for parents to strike a balance between pushing their child to fulfill their potential and putting too much pressure on them. Learn when to step back and when to be the cheerleader, and encourage your future star to be open with you.
If you think you may have the next big thing on your hands, you’re probably as keen as your child to unlock their potential and enjoy success in the future. Parenting is never easy, and it can be tough to make the right calls, especially if your child shows promise at a very early age. Try and encourage and support them, provide them with opportunities to progress and develop, and take time to practice with them, train with them, and get them ready for competition.
