Hey My Friend,

I spoke to one of our amazing parents this weekend and when I say trust yourself because you know your kid better than ANYONE please believe me.  TRUST YOURSELF because you know your kid better than ANYONE! To my friend in the journey who allowed me to be a part of yours and your youngsters youth sports journey… THANK YOU!

Let’s get to today’s question:

Question From The Community: As a parent of a competitive young athlete, how do I best navigate the balance between providing support and structure while also allowing my daughter to take ownership of her development? I want to push her to reach her potential, but I also know that motivation has to come from within and pushing one way can also bring pressure to her. How can I help her build that internal drive without it feeling like I’m forcing it?

My Thoughts For You: Just ask her. “What are your goals? Ask her with

Not what are the goals that she thinks that you want her to have. What goals does she want for yourself as far as this sports thing goes. Ask here and see what she says. Then based on that I think that pushing or not pushing will make itself clear. I mean, I’m pretty sure that you’re not saying… “Hey… I know you can pass that math class, but I’m going to leave it up to you. You gotta want it! No pushing over here.”

If you’re like us you say… “You will have a good grade or we’re going to have issues.” Why? Because it’s important to their life. I like to think of sports the same way. IF… your goal is to _______ My job is to help you get there.

My mom used to say to me… “You might not like me all the time, but that’s ok.” She would say… “I’m not one of your little friends. I’m your mom. Don’t get it confused.” she would also say… “I’m going to be here when all those best friends are gone.” she was right. Even today I can hear her talking to me, buuut that was my mom. Your relationship with your child is your relationship.

My friend, lately I’ve asked my high schoolers, “Do you like the idea of this or do you really want the “be great” thing?” There is a difference.

Take a look: https://troyhorne.lpages.co/mental-toughness-videos/

Being great or going pro ain’t for everyone. You and your youngster have to be honest with each other. Because the idea and what it actually is are NOT the same. Either choice is ok… Just know which one you’re going for. Also know that if she’s deciding to be great or go pro, the route is not filled with what the world calls “balance”.

I remember talking with Jason Richardson about being in the NBA and he said and I quote.

“It was great, but I don’t ever want to get on an airplane EVER AGAIN!” I put that in all caps because he was very emphatic about that. I mean he was flying at least 40-50 times a year. I get it Mr. Richardson I get it.

Cristiano Renaldo: Soccer Academy at 12
Simone Biles: Elite training at 14 pro at 18
Serena Williams: Pro at 14

Lastly I tell my youngsters…”You decide what you want, but once you make that decision it’s my job to help you get there. My job is to carry you when you can’t do it yourself.” Obviously we have to know the kid and read the room, but that’s what I think. Step one… “What does she want?” Step two… “Push or don’t based on her decision. Step 3… Always remember that “Going for greatness looks crazy to the rest of world.”

Hope this helps my friend,

Troy (aka Horne Kids’ Dad)

0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop
    Continue Shopping