"Parents should find out what their child likes about football and do what they can to enhance that aspect of it." Go ahead and ask your kids. You may be surprised by their answers. (Hint: Winning games doesn't rank in the top ten according to one study.)
Here are some tips to help your child keep it fun:
1. Find a fun-minded coach.
"Parents interview babysitters more than they do youth coaches," says Dr. Danish. "You need to learn the coach's philosophy." Seek out coaches who understand that football is just one paver in a child's path to adulthood and not a ticket into the Peewee Hall of Fame. Nothing saps the fun out of playing faster than a coach who is too intense. If the coach reminds you of Bear Bryant in The Junction Boys, volunteer as a parent helper and temper his style. Does the team do the same drills day in and out? Suggest changing things up with ball-handling relay races or a game of ultimate football.
2. Make it a family affair.
Pack up the picnic basket, invite the grandparents and make game days a family outing. Can you think of a better way to spend a fall afternoon than with a tailgating feast and some football?
3. Foster new friendships.
Many kids join a sport because their friends play. But youth programs often draw players from several school districts. There's a good chance that many of your son's teammates are complete strangers. Help him expand his social circle by inviting a new friend over or out for pizza after practice.
4. Accentuate the positive.
As kids get older, feeling like they are good at something plays a big part in making it fun. Even if the team never wins a game and your child never handles the ball, there's plenty to cheer about. Always find something positive about your child's performance in practice and games. Tell him that you saw his key block or that he hustled and played with heart.
5. Downplay the importance of games.
Kids spend a lot more time at practice than they do playing games. If games are all that count, it leaves little opportunity for fun and glory. Point out that each practice is another chance to enjoy himself. My 8-year-old will tell you that he's scored six touchdowns in his two-year "career" (only two were in games). Some of his best tackles occurred during intra-squad scrimmages. Let him take pride in every moment of success no matter where it happens.
6. Use football to bond.
When my son began playing, watching football with daddy suddenly became cool. Now the two of them catch any football they can. They debate play calls and my son knows the names and numbers of virtually every NFL running back, his favorite position.
7. Avoid conflicts.
Disputes with coaches and bickering among parents puts a damper on fun. Don't allow your child to get caught between his coach and his parents. If he's not learning football the way you learned it, it doesn't mean it's wrong. Remind him to respect his coach, and if it bothers you that much, volunteer to coach next year.
8. Watch for warning signs.
Ask your child periodically if he still enjoys playing and watch for signs of waning enthusiasm. Does he complain about going to practice? Is he reluctant to dress for a game? It may be something you can help him correct. Remind him that the choice to play is always his.
Mom of a Pop Warner Mitey-Mite, and wife of a high school coach, Amy Zintl is a freelance writer whose work frequently appears in Ladies' Home Journal, Parents and American Baby.
This article was reprinted with permission courtesy of Kickoff Magazine. To subscribe,click here.
