We are sport psychologists, sport parents and retired athletes. We have experienced the ups and the downs, the cheers of excitement and the tears of disappointment that youth sport brings. Being a sport parent is a challenging job, and how we respond to our child's sporting experiences has a huge influence on how they interpret them. We want them to enjoy sport, to develop life skills, and reach their potential, but it can be hard to know what to say or do at times.
We wrote this book because we felt there was a lack of support for sport parents. We have heard so many stories of how parents have been criticised, judged, or ignored as they have tried to do their best to help their child's dreams come true. This is not a "how to be the best sport parent" manual - sport parenting is not a competition, although some parents have turned it into a competitive sport You are already a brilliant sport parent - your child would not be achieving the sporting enjoyment and success they are if it wasn't for your commitment, passion, and belief. We bring together personal stories from youth sport with scientific research and professional experiences to develop your sport parenting skills. Suggesting strategies that can boost athletic performance, enhance wellbeing, and strengthen family relationships.
Perhaps one day parents will be awarded medals for their children's performances, but for now we in the sport parent community salute the team behind the team