Parents may think about their children playing soccer as if they were your kids.
Sideline hours don’t have to be spent cheering on the team. These hours can be spent packing, organizing water and snacks, driving, watching practice, or running to find something that has been forgotten.
PLAYING OUTSIDE TOGETHER
You will see a return on your investment! Participation teaches kids so much about life, teamwork, and following rules. Parents learn so much from their child’s actions, thoughts and reactions. It doesn’t matter what season ends, it’s great to cheer for the same team.
It can be tempting to let the league organizers do all of the work, since they are so well-organized. This is a way to give away some of the joy. To give your child soccer a little more attention and help, you don’t have to be an expert or have the time to volunteer.
You can use it as an extension to your time together.
These are some ways to get you started in looking at those difficult moments as family memories.
1. Secret Drill
To reinforce certain moves, coaches use a series of skill movements. These moves become automatic if they are repeated enough. You can also teach your child a secret drill.
You can make it a series with just one soccer ball, so you can do your drill in the yard or on the field.
Always begin your soccer practice with your partner in this manner. This information is only available to two members of a secret club.
You can even make it silly by adding a secret signal to start it.
2. Play the player
Your child can teach you how to play in the backyard or at the park. You can pretend you don’t know anything and let your child have all the fun while you get frustrated with their ignorance.
You can ask your older siblings for help with strategy or special skills. Follow their instructions exactly!
This helps them understand how to explain things so that others can follow along. It will also make it more fun for you.
3. Phone Ban
For their games and family practice, put your phone on “Do Not Disturb”. Put aside all other distractions and focus on the soccer player you have created.
Recognize their participation.
Enjoy their success.
Encourage them to succeed.
It’s easy to become distracted when your children are growing up in front of you!
EMBRACE SPONTANEOUS GAMES
Think back to your childhood, when you played casual games on the streets or under the trees at the park jungle gym.
There weren’t any chalk-outlined or nets!
Allow your children to have spontaneous fun and allow them to enjoy the game, even if there aren’t any color-coordinated coaches or jerseys.
