We all want our children to be Champions in life and in sport. As sports parents, our own attitude and approach can play a significant role in our child's overall experience and development as a Champion. In fact, our relationship with a child may be one of the single most important factors in his or her development: the child who feels loved and supported by parents regardless of performance or result is more likely to demonstrate the attitude, discipline and fearless effort necessary to grow in virtue and skill. So is that the sort of relationship we have with our young athlete?

While it's still early in this school year, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on the past before looking toward the rest of the year. Chances are you've watched your child go through ups and downs in their athletic experience, and perhaps you've experienced a bit of that rollercoaster yourself. How can you take what you have learned from watching them and apply it to the rest of this year? Consider the following questions:

• How has your relationship with your child grown in the past year? What will you do to continue to encourage growth in that relationship?
• Does your child know that you love him or her unconditionally? Do you maintain the same approach after both wins and losses?
• How can you encourage your child to set healthy goals for themselves? [Remember that physical, mental, sportsmanship and spiritual goals are all important!]
• How can I support my athlete while still allowing him or her to take ownership of the experience?
• What does the ride home from practices and games look like? Is this a positive experience for my child?
• Have I been proud of my behavior and attitude when I attend my child's games?
• Think about everyone who is helping you and your child on his or her journey athletic journey [coaches, administrators, officials, etc.] How can you best support these individuals and allow them to provide the best experience for your child? Does your child see you show your appreciation?
• How can I create a positive environment in my sports community?

Take a moment to think about your answers to these questions, then write down 1-2 concrete ways that you will work to improve your relationship with your child and his or her youth sports experience. Even if we're doing a great job as parents, we can always improve - just like our young athletes! Be intentional about developing a positive relationship with your child and you will play a vital role in helping them to become the Champions we want them to be both on and off the field.

"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But if any one has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in truth."  ~ 1 John 3:16-18

A Prayer for Parents

Thank you father, for the gift of my son/daughter(s), and the opportunity to watch them play these games they love. May I always be aware of the important role I play in these activities. May I be for them a source of support, to lend an ear when they need to talk, to encourage them when things are difficult, or simply to be their biggest fan. Grant that I may have the grace to be for them a source of wisdom and strength, a positive example and a welcomed face in the crowd. More than that, grant that I might play with them as often as I can, understanding that our time together is one of your greatest gifts. Father in Heaven, You gave us a beautiful example of what it means to be parents in the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. May I imitate this for my own children, and through support of their athletic endeavors, help them always to grow closer to you. Amen