Originally aired April 2020.

Kids are like sponges. They soak up whatever you say to them, as parents or coaches, and learn how to act and react from the behavior they see modeled for them. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of how you respond.

This week, coach Nicole Denes shares tips on supporting the process, rather than focusing on the outcomes, and helping kids build good habits for the long run.

It can be helpful to think about problems or mistakes before they happen. That way, you can practice how you might respond before you’re put on the spot. Especially for kids and adults who tend towards perfectionism, it can be useful to re-focus on the skills you need to improve, rather than whether or not a result was perfect.

After all, perfection may be unattainable, but improvement is always possible.

What You’ll Learn:

• Invest in the process

• Prepare and plan for mistakes to happen

• Be mindful of your reactions

• Practice accountability for your actions

• Support versatility and variety in sports