Baseball Parenting Tips (Don't Make this Mistake)

As parents, especially those enthusiastic about sports, our intentions in guiding our children can sometimes get lost in translation. This story, shared by head coach, Clay Van Hook, of the University of Texas at Arlington, beautifully illustrates the impact of how we communicate with our young athletes.

@catchingmadesimple 🚨PARENTS: 💡A quick tip from a D1 coach's experience 🗣️The way we speak to our kids in sports matters. A simple 'keep your eye on the ball' can sound like scolding if not conveyed properly😬 It's crucial to ensure our kids feel coached, not criticized💯 Your tone and words shape their confidence and love for the game🫡 #SportsParenting #coaching #parenting #baseballmoms #baseballdads ♬ I Get The Bag (Instrumental) - LivingForce

A Coach's Tale: Intentions vs. Perception

Coach and his son had worked diligently all week on a simple yet crucial aspect of baseball - keeping the eye on the ball. Expectations were high for the next game, especially with his son placed in the leadoff spot. But despite the preparation, his son missed three straight swings.

In a moment of coaching instinct, the head coach intervened, reminding his son to "keep your eye on the ball." And after another strikeout, his wife showed up and went to talk to their son. She found out something critical: their son felt he was in trouble. This was a lightbulb moment for the coach. He realized his method of 'coaching up' was being misconstrued as reprimanding.

So coach went back to his son and reassured him that he wasn’t in trouble but just needed to focus on the ball. Sure enough, his next at-bat was a base knock. This incident was an eye-opener for the coach, highlighting the delicate balance between guiding and pressuring, especially coming from a parent.

The Top Baseball Parenting Tip: It's Not Just What We Say, But How We Say It

This story underscores a few vital lessons for all parents and coaches:

1. Perception is Key: Children may interpret instructions, especially those given under pressure or in the heat of the moment, as criticism or disappointment. Try to get them to repeat back what they heard.
2. Tone and Delivery Matter: It's crucial to be mindful of not just what is said but how it's said. The tone, body language, and choice of words can vastly change the message received.
3. Empathy is Essential: Put yourself in their shoes. Remember, they are learning and trying their best. The pressure to perform can be overwhelming, especially when it feels like it's coming from a place of authority.
4. Open Communication: Encourage an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their feelings about the sport. This open line of communication can prevent misunderstandings and provide valuable insights into their mindset.

The Lesson We All Need - Communicate To The Heart

As the U.T. Arlington coach was reminded, our role as parents is multifaceted.

We are their supporters, coaches, and biggest fans, but most importantly, we are their safe space.

How we communicate can either build their confidence or inadvertently add pressure.

So, next time you're offering guidance, whether on the field or off, remember: it's not just about the message, it's about the heart and tone behind it.

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