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How to Help Your Child Athlete Through a Loss

November 5, 2018 by Jeff

Kids love playing sports. And parents love that their kids can get all of that excess energy out while learning the benefits of hard work and comradery.

But with the thrill of competition comes the hard reality: that sometimes you lose. Some children are barely affected by a loss. They are truly happy just running around on the field or court with their friends. Other children, however, can be almost devastated by a loss.

There are a few things you can do if your child seems to struggle after losing a game:

Listen

Don’t assume you know exactly what is bothering your child. Before you provide any advice, listen to how and what they are feeling so you know how best to address the issue.

Ask Questions

Some kids, especially very young ones, may have a hard time processing their feelings. They know they feel bad, but they can’t express exactly what it is that is bothering them. Consider asking questions like:

• What part of the game was the most and least fun for you?
• Were you satisfied with your efforts?
• What did you think you did well, and what could you work on for the next game?
• What was something important you learned from today’s game?

Don’t Deny Reality

There is no point in telling your child that it doesn’t matter (when it does to them) or that they did great (if they didn’t). They know the truth and if you’re denying it, they’ll have a hard time believing anything you say in the future.

Instead of denying reality, be open with your child while gently guiding the conversation toward future strategies for positive outcomes.

Don’t Try to Protect Your Child

Many parents try to shield their child from feeling any negative emotions. While you may think you are protecting your child, the fact is, disappointment and loss is a part of life. Losing a game is actually a pretty good life lesson.

Disappointment and sadness feel bad, but you don’t want to teach your child to avoid bad feelings. These feelings play a key role in your child’s emotional, intellectual and social development. It is important for your child to learn to deal with setbacks now so they don’t derail them as adults.

Avoid your instinct to “protect” your child from disappoint. Instead, guide them through their emotions and help them learn to cope.

 

If your child has a particularly hard time dealing with loss and disappointment and you would like to have them talk to someone, please be in touch. I’d be happy to discuss treatment options.

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Filed Under: Sports / Exercise, Teens/Children

Victor Counseling Practice

Call: 585-398-8835
or Text: 585-444-1808
Fax: 585-417-4035
brittanyclosevcp@gmail.com

6539 Anthony Drive, Suite A
Victor, NY 14564



ACAC


A Full Guide to Practical
Resources About School
Behaviors for Parents

Center for Parenting
Information & Resources

The Center for Parent Information
and Resources (CPIR)

Identifying Signs of
Stress in Your Children & Teens

Stress in America, APA: Mary
Alvord, Ph.D. and David J.
Palmiter, Jr., Ph.D., ABPP

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Victor Counseling Practice

Call: 585-398-8835
or Text: 585-444-1808
Fax: 585-417-4035
Email: brittanyclosevcp@gmail.com

 
6539 Anthony Drive, Suite A
Victor, NY 14564

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Victor Counseling Services: Located in Victor, NY.  Also Servicing Surrounding Areas Such as: Bloomfield, Canandaigua, Clifton Springs, Fairport, Farmington, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Lima, Geneva, Macedon, Manchester, Mendon, Newark, Palmyra, Perinton, Pittsford,  Shortsville