John O'Sullivan of Changing the Game Projects shares, "There is a lot of research emerging about the importance and performance enhancement caused by positive self-talk." So how can parents channel self-affirming energy? Here are some messages that athletes consistently need to hear to help them develop inner talk that is healthy:
- I love watching you play - it's not about the outcome, it is about being with your child in the moment.
- The power of yet - as important as it is to acknowledge work well done, it is also vital to put emphasis on the process, growth and effort - what is yet to come.
- Talk about the process not the results - Emphasizing only on the results and not the process makes players focus only on the end result, and not what they need to do to achieve their goals. It also creates extra stress which is not beneficial.
- Praise good behavior or habits - No matter what the score, always acknowledge contributions that really determine enduring progress.
- Sports are what you do, not who you are - The sport your child plays is but one facet of who they are and it is important that you encourage them to explore and enrich other aspects of themselves.
For more details: Our Children Become the Messages They Hear the Most
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