Being a rock star sports parent has nothing to do with how skilled of an athlete your child is and has everything to do with how you handle the youth sports journey your child has chosen.
Most people would agree that you are a rock star sports parent because you drive your child to games and practices, wash uniforms and volunteer as team mom. Those are definitely rock star-worthy achievements.
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But I'd like to suggest some less obvious ways that you are a rock star parent — things you do that may not have been seen by anyone but yourself or your child.
You are a rock star sports parent if …
1. You learn the skillful art of biting your tongue to keep from saying something negative to your child about the coach, other players or even about how they played.
2. You let your child develop their own path, not force them to follow yours.
3. You work at giving you and your child a life outside of sports.
4. You let your child learn how to push himself or herself.
5. You show love to your child no matter how they perform.
6. You acknowledge your child's strengths and don't compare them to other players.
7. You keep winning in perspective. Everyone wants to win, but don't lose character in the process.
8. You accept responsibility for your own negative emotions and don't put the blame on the coach, officials or players.
9. You accept that you are the parent and not the coach, especially on the way to the game, during the game and on the way home.
10. You focus on the end game and who you want your child to be after they’re done playing sports.
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These accomplishments may not earn you recognition by anyone other than your child, and even they may be oblivious to your mental sacrifices. But you are no less a rock star parent. Your choice to remain positive is the foundation that will support your child as they grow through their youth sports challenges.
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Janis B. Meredith is a parenting coach. She provides resources to help parents raise champions. Learn more about how she can help parents Raise Champions.