Are you already feeling the pressure of the season? This episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey" offers essential tips to help parents manage anxiety and enjoy the game. Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli discuss the common tendency of parents to hyper-focus on their own child, often leading to unnecessary stress. They emphasize the importance of viewing the game from a broader perspective, understanding that youth hockey is about development over the season, not just individual games. The conversation also touches on the balance between competitiveness and kindness, and how parents can create a supportive environment for their kids. Whether you're a seasoned hockey parent or new to the rink, this episode provides valuable insights to help you and your child thrive this hockey season.
Key Discussion Points
Tips to Manage Anxiety During the Hockey Season
- Awareness of Focus: Parents often focus solely on their own child during games, which can lead to hypercriticism. It's important to watch the entire game and support the team as a whole.
- Understanding Parental Perspective: Coaches should recognize that parents are primarily concerned with their own child’s performance, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings about the game’s dynamics.
- Macro View of Development: Emphasize the importance of viewing the season as a developmental journey rather than focusing on individual games or moments. This helps in reducing anxiety and maintaining a long-term perspective.
- Encouraging Fun and Enjoyment: Parents should focus on enjoying watching their child play and avoid projecting their frustrations. Celebrating small moments and maintaining a positive attitude can significantly reduce stress.
- Handling Mistakes Constructively: Both parents and coaches should allow children to make mistakes and learn from them without harsh criticism. This fosters a growth mindset and reduces fear of failure.
- Role of Influential Parents: Parents who are seen as leaders within the team community should model calm and supportive behavior to positively influence the overall team environment.
- Avoiding Over-Involvement: Parents should refrain from giving their children specific instructions during games, as this can undermine the coach’s authority and confuse the child.
- Gratitude and Perspective: Shifting from a mindset of anger or frustration to one of gratitude for the opportunity to play can enhance enjoyment and competitiveness.
- Goalie Parents’ Unique Challenges: Goalie parents often experience heightened anxiety. It's important to manage this by understanding that goals will be scored and focusing on the overall development and response to these moments.
- Collective Experience: Recognize that all parents and players are part of a shared journey with common challenges and experiences. This collective understanding can help in managing expectations and reducing individual stress.
- Life Lessons Through Hockey: Emphasize that hockey is a vehicle for teaching life lessons, such as handling adversity and developing resilience, which are valuable beyond the sport itself.