How Parents Can Help

Parents have a real influence on how children experience sport.

That does not mean parents need to become coaches. It means the way parents speak, watch, respond and support can make it easier or harder for children to feel confident, settled and ready to learn.

In Saturday morning hockey, the most helpful role for parents is usually not to direct the hockey from the sideline. It is to help create an environment where children feel safe enough to try, make mistakes, listen and enjoy being part of the group.

Children are usually helped most when parents stay calm, encourage effort rather than perfection, let coaches guide the hockey learning, and respond positively when children try again after mistakes.

The strongest support is often quieter, steadier and more encouraging than parents first expect