You can learn a lot about raising confident kids by looking at how Michael Jordan was raised.
Michael Jordan’s dad set him up for success in basketball.
When he was just a little boy, his father had him shooting baskets into a tiny kiddy hoop that toddler Michael Jordan could reach.
Over and over Michael would get the ball in the basket and would get reinforced for the good behavior he was having with getting the ball in the basket.
As little Michael Jordan got older, his dad upgraded the basketball hoop so it was a little taller each time…
But each time, Michael was still able to get the ball in the basket relatively easily…
It was never so high out of reach that Michael would get frustrated trying to throw the ball in the hoop and missing each time.
By doing this, Michael Jordan’s father insured that his confidence was built up over and over.
So Michael Jordan grew up knowing that he was someone who could get the ball in the basket. That’s how he saw himself and that’s the life that he led. he was confident in his abilities and became one of the best basketball players of all time.
How does this apply to you and your children?
Athletes who have high levels of self-confidence end up in the winner’s circle. You want your athletes to feel fully confident at game time. That means you need to keep your expectations in check. Parents’ and coaches’ overly high expectations can cause athletes to focus too much on the results. This often makes them feel frustrated, especially when they are not performing up to their (and your) standards.
As parents, it’s so easy to have your kids trying things (both in sports and just every day life) that are much too challenging for your kids to do successfully.
You mistakenly think that challenging them is the way to make them better at something…
And while challenges are good, it also has to be balanced with what your kids can do and feel confident about.
It doesn’t make anyone confident to try something over and over and fail, right?
Make sure that your expectations for your child are REASONABLE and that they can do it successfully and you’ll have a much more confident child or athlete on your hands.
Make sure that you let your child experience lots of success at the level he’s at before you move the mark and make him strive for something else.
Remember, confidence is built by realizing that we can do things successfully.
Advice For Parents: What are some of the things you’ve done to help your kids feel more confident in sports or in their home activities?
3 Sports Psychology Tips For Parents And Coaches [Active]
Welcome back to Just Parenting Advice. If you haven't already, make sure you sign up for weekly updates using the form on the right.
