Behind every successful talented child achieving their dream, is a Performance Parent who nurtures them. They are the bedrock of personalised support for each budding World Champion. For who can understand their child better than Mum and Dad?
"My Mum and Dad are the most important influences in my life. They have made lots of scarifies and I owe them a lot. I respect and look up to anybody who has put in the effort needed to be the best." Performance Centre player.
Performance Parents ride the emotional rollercoaster of sporting success and failure, hand in hand with their talented child. Parents stand in the background during moments of glory on the medal rostrum and help pick up the pieces during more difficult times. They provide the unpaid taxi service every training session and words of comfort during dark times of injury and disappointment.
There is no magic formula on how to nurture your child’s talent. However there are some inspirational examples of what parents are doing to support their talented child. These tips can give you guidance and reassurance on how to be a supportive Performance Parent.
Top 10 Tips for Performance Parents
(Click here for Printable version)
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Be supportive and listen – whether it is a win or lose situation, your support is vital
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Work hard to be an effective part of an effective “Team You” and remember you are a critical part of this team
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Work hard to find the correct balance between training, studying and simply being a “normal” family. Make time for other siblings
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Give lots of encouragement and criticise constructively. Focus your recognition on the effort not just the achievement
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Let the coaches coach and be a positive role model
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Find out who to get help and advice from: School Sport Coordinator, Gifted and Talented mentor, local Sports Development Officer, the National Governing Body
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Be proactive and communicate – find out potential training and competition demands for the year and work with the school to make sure everyone is aware of any “hotspots” around exams and coursework deadlines
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Be prepared to become involved in the wider aspects of the sport – as driver, cook, travel agent and supporter or simply as principal sponsor
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Get to know other parents, they will become your personal support network
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Help them to start to plan for life after sport
Source - part of the Junior Athlete Education, Youth Sport Trust
