Five Tips on How to Be a Parent and a Coach

The decision to be a coach for your child's team can be a rewarding one filled with confidence building and family bonding. However, it can also be hard place where a parent is forced to walk the fine line between coach and parent, on and off the field. Find out five tips on how to be a parent and a coach; and how to make this season the best one yet.

Create an equal playing field. There is no need to push your child harder than the rest. In addition, there is no reason to play favorites with your child. Just because you would like your kid to be a specific position does not mean that they are the best ones for that position. Regardless of age, the best position for them is the one that they enjoy.

Do not force your child to practice all of the time. If your child shows an interest in working on his or her game outside of practice time, then you can work with them. Parents who are coaches are more likely to cause their child to burn-out early do to overexposure to the sport and constant practicing.

Do not make your relationship with your child based on your sport. You can be your child's coach, but first and foremost you are a parent. To maintain a parental position, try to find other commonalities with your child other than the sport, or sports.

Keep it fair in the family. If you have more than one child, consider the consequences of coaching for one or all of them. Chances are, you will not be able to coach all of your kids, or at least not act as head coach. Most sports have games that overlap or conflict, often times not even near each other. Instead of moving up with your children as they advance in their sport, one option is to coach them at a certain level. If not all of your children play sports, give each one the same amount of time as you spend as "coach."

Be a supportive parent and coach. Listen to your child. If they are taking the time to talk to you, then you should take the time to listen to them. In addition, be fair to your spouse and other family members in regards to the amount of time you spend as a coach. It is good to be dedicated to being a good coach, but it is better to be dedicated to being a great parent.

Coaching a youth sport can be a rewarding choice for both you and your kid(s). With a little perspective you can be a constructive coach and a positive parent. Just remember, be a parent first and a coach second.