When watching your child play sports, it’s natural to get excited. But it’s also important to make sure you always act as a Positive Sport Parent – on game day and beyond.
Being a Positive Sport Parent means not only keeping your emotions in check on game day, but also always remaining supportive and respectful of your youth athlete – as well as all the other kids and coaches involved in the competition. It’s also vital to remember that as a parent, you have the power to help shape your youth athlete’s attitude about sports.
Liberty Mutual Insurance Play Positive sat down with U.S. Freeskiing Slopestyle standout Willie Borm to get his thoughts on what it means to be a Positive Sport Parent today.
In our exclusive TAKE 5 interview, Willie told us that growing up, his parents were “very much involved” in his development as a skier.
“My parents are huge supporters of my sport and what I do,” recalled Willie. “In fact, they introduced me to the sport when I was three years old, and gave me every opportunity to surround myself with it and take it as far as I wanted. That hasn’t changed ever since.”
Willie also stressed that not only were his parents involved and engaged, but they always displayed behavior that made them Positive Sport Parents.
“At least one of my parents have been to almost all of my competitions, which is saying a lot since there is so much travel involved with freeskiing competitions,” said Willie. “When I’m at a competition, my parents usually tell me to have fun, and they give me compliments on what’s looking good during practice and competitions.”
Willie added that his parents’ support extends to not just him, but his teammates as well.
“They enjoy watching everyone throw down,” said Willie.
Willie believes there are many things skiing parents can do today to serve as strong role models and Positive Sport Parents.
“Parents should encourage their kids to try, take risks and help them focus on setting their own goals,” said Willie. “When it’s game time, just let us play.”
To read the full TAKE 5 interview with Willie, visit PlayPositive.com. And come back next month for another exclusive TAKE 5 interview!
At Liberty Mutual Insurance, we constantly look for ways to celebrate the countless acts of positivity shown by people every day. We created Play Positive, powered by Positive Coaching Alliance, as part of this belief to help ensure that our kids experience the best that sports have to offer in environments that promote and display positivity. We believe kids can learn valuable life lessons when coaches and parents come together to support winning on and off the hill.
©2014 Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and Positive Coaching Alliance. All rights reserved. This material may not be distributed without express written permission. Any reproduction in whole or part by and individuals or organizations will be held liable for copyright infringement to the full extent of the law.
