For the love of the game

Written on September 12, 2004 by David C. Sarnacki

Men’s Health helps you understand how to coach your child with tips from Rick Wolff and Joel Fish.

Liesa Goins writes (excerpt):
SKIP POSTGAME ANALYSIS
When the thrill or agony of the game is still fresh, he doesn’t need you harping on him. . . .
PLAY UP THE POSITIVE
Find something specific . . . and tell him it was worth the price of admission. “Kids want to believe parents feel proud of them,” Fish says.
SANDWICH CRITICISM
If you want him to stop being a ball hog, wait until the next practice and say, “You’re a great ball handler [praise], but if you could dish off when you’re double-teamed [constructive criticism], you’d be unstoppable [praise with incentive].”
ASK HIS OPINION
If he stops wanting to go to practice or starts picking grass in the outfield, there could be a lot of reasons. . . . Say, “Help me understand,” Fish suggests. . . .
WATCH YOURSELF
. . . Your kid will notice this stuff [parental misbehavior at the game], and it’ll suck out all the fun he thought he was having. All you need to do is cheer.

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