HOW TO RAISE AN OLYMPIAN

 

HOW TO RAISE AN OLYMPIAN

Set a good example
It may sound obvious but kids learn what they see everyday. When they see you setting goals and working toward them, they will learn to do the same. Let your kids see how passionate you are about what you do everyday… and if you aren’t passionate about what you do, find something to be passionate about!

Subtly seek out your child’s strengths
Keep your eyes open for early emergence of talent and skills, but don’t force it. Expose them to lots of different activities without enrolling them in an overwhelming array of classes and activities. Let them be themselves and see what passions of their own begin to evolve.
Don’t let kids give up
Encourage them to keep reaching for their goals. Olympic parents have had to support their children through victory AND defeat. At one point or another they will undoubtedly need to be reminded that their success depends on the ability to get back up and keep going.

Keep their egos in check
On the other hand, there will also be times they need to be reminded that no matter how successful they are still human beings. Remind them that you are proud of them but no matter how many victories they see, they still have to do their chores! Successful athletes at any level are often put on a petal stool by the team, friend, and even the community… it’s up to you, the parent to keep it in perspective!

Believe in Your Child
If you don’t, who will? There will be coaches and teachers along the way who may not have the best things to say about your young athlete… but if you stand behind your child their confidence will grow. With confidence comes increased effort and eventually success. If you believe in them, they will learn to believe in themselves.
“You don’t have to raise gold metal winners to be a successful parent. As long as you encourage kids to seek their highest potential and support them wholeheartedly along the way, you have done your job.”

~ author of Mom-In-Chief