For kids, sports like youth soccer are a fun way to get active and meet new friends. When the team isn’t at its best, however, a productive hobby can turn into a source of stress. If children seem frustrated about a recent game or their own performance, parents can step in and teach them how to cope. Here’s what you can do if your young athlete is starting to feel the pressure.

5 Ways to Ease Your Child’s Frustrations Over Sports

1. Be Cool on the Sidelines

Taking special interest in your child’s hobbies is a great way to motivate them, but even with youth soccer, it’s easy to get a little carried away. Be aware of what you’re saying on the sidelines. Some parents end up making kids feel hyperaware of their mistakes, leading to nervousness and more slip-ups. Motivate them with words of encouragement instead.

2. Encourage Conversation

Some people tend to bottle up their feelings, but this unhealthy habit won’t help your child in the long run. Let them know it’s good to share their emotions, and that you’re willing to listen. Simply allowing them to vent will help them cool down. You can then help them realign their focus to future improvement, rather than on past mistakes.

3. Try Some Relaxation Techniques

Sometimes stress will get the best of your child during a game, so it’s best to teach them how to deal with it in the moment. Demonstrate a few techniques they can do on their own. Deep-breathing, stretching, muscle relaxation, and positive mental affirmations can help settle game day nerves.

4. Recommend Calming Activities

Even if your child loves their soccer club, having diverse interests will turn them into a more balanced adult. Find out what other hobbies they’re interested in. Suggest engaging in calming activities like hiking, arts & crafts, and even hanging out with friends.

5. Remind Them That It’s Just a Game

No matter how competitive your child’s nature, it’s important for them to remember that it’s just a game. Their worth is not hinged on the outcome. Help them understand that the athletic challenges they face in youth soccer will help them grow not because they won or lost, but because of the many life lessons they will learn throughout the season.

Kids need activities that help them develop physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Beachside Soccer Club of Fairfield County, CT, will teach your child these essential skills in a challenging but fun environment. With soccer training from experienced coaches, young players will learn self-discipline, confidence, teamwork, and decision making while obtaining technical mastery. Learn more about their philosophy and methods online. For information on youth soccer tryouts, call (203) 852-6969.