Supporting your child with limited playtime

As a parent, watching your child spend a lot of time on the bench can be frustrating. However, this situation can offer valuable opportunities for learning and growth. Here are a few tips to help your child manage this experience in a positive way.

Does it bother him? First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand whether limited playing time really bothers your child. Some children are not performance-oriented and participate in sports mainly to make friends, move around at practice and be part of a team. Just because it bothers you doesn’t necessarily mean it bothers your child. Every child has his or her own reasons for participating in sports.

Talk to the coach: Start with an open and respectful conversation with the coach. Ask for constructive feedback on your child’s strengths and areas for improvement. Understanding the reasons behind limited playing time can help identify solutions.

Assess expectations: Talk with your child to understand his feelings and expectations. Explain that sport is as much about personal development as it is about playing time. Help him to see the positive aspects of his participation, even if he plays less.

Set personal goals: Help your child set realistic, achievable goals for improvement if that’s what he or she wants. These goals can include technical skills, physical fitness or understanding of the game. By working towards these goals, your child will be able to see progress and stay motivated.

Participate in additional training: If your child wishes, encourage him or her to participate in additional training sessions, camps or clinics. These experiences can provide development opportunities that aren’t always possible during team training.

Teach patience and perseverance: Explain to your child that success in sport takes time, and that every athlete goes through ups and downs. Patience and perseverance are essential qualities for any athlete.

Celebrate small victories: Congratulate your child on the progress he or she makes, no matter how small. Whether it’s a technical improvement or a positive attitude, these small victories are important for his development and self-confidence.

Develop other skills: Sport offers a unique opportunity to develop important life skills such as leadership, teamwork and communication. Encourage your child to focus on these aspects, even if he or she doesn’t play much.

Participate in team life: Encourage your child to be a good teammate by supporting his or her comrades, helping the coach or taking on team responsibilities. This will strengthen his or her commitment and sense of belonging to the team.

Lead by example: Children learn by watching their parents. Show a positive and supportive attitude towards the coach and the team, even when things don’t go as planned.

Encourage a passion for sports: Remind your child why he or she loves sports. Whether it’s the excitement of the game, the friendship or the personal challenge, keeping that passion alive will help them stay motivated and persevere.

Talk about your personal experiences: If you’ve ever been a sportsman, you’ve probably had times when you didn’t have much playing time. Share with your child how you felt in those moments, how you reacted and what you got out of it. This can help him feel understood and see that these experiences can be overcome and become learning opportunities.

Accompanying your child through limited playtime can be a challenge, but with a positive, proactive approach, it can become a valuable learning experience. By supporting your child, encouraging continuous improvement and valuing life skills, you can help them make the most of this situation.