Coaching Kids

[Luzz]

Ballers,

Since a lot of us happen to coach or at least pull young kids, here's a little useful image to guide the process ;)

 

 

 

[ToddL]

Praise effort - also make your first words a complement. Then continue with the opportunity for improvement. i.e. at the set down: "Wow, you look so confident on your ski. That's important. Now, let's take that further by..."

 

I'll add one...

Do - describe the desired action/motion/change

Don't - describe the undesirable action/motion/etc.

If I say, "Don't bend your knees", well, you just visualized bending your knees and I have just inadvertently reinforced a behavior that I want you to stop. If I say, "Straighten your legs more." You just visualized the intended improvement, thus reinforcing it.

 

 

[6balls]

It's safe to say my older brother's style of coaching didn't involve much on the left hand side of the chart above growing up :) Worked out ok, though, I responded with vigor to criticism because I refused to give in...though I realize that's not the norm.

[Orlando76]

Man man I hope my son picks up waterskiing.

[MattP]

As someone who coaches high school students on a daily basis @Luzz's chart hits the nail on the head. @ToddL's comments are defiantly true as well, but what they are both lacking is PAY SOMEONE ELSE TO TEACH YOUR KIDS. Especially if you want to enjoy family dinner. (This goes for driving lessons and tutoring in school as well). It will be more so needed when they reach the age of 12 or so. Fork over the cash to see them smile and be there to pick them up when they are struggling. It will make all the difference.

[jipster43]

I've been teaching my daughter snow skiing since she could stand and it has been an amazing trip. As long as you are patient and know what you are doing, I think teaching your kids is a great way to bond.

[ToddL]

There is a level of familiarity between a coach and their own child that can get in the way of respect and listening and trust. So, @MattP 's comment is correct. It is the exception, not the norm when a parent can coach their own child. When, that exception is present, the bond that comes from sharing a common interest is priceless, as @jipster43 noted.

 

Even though, there are good days and bad days. Sometimes the child will listen to the parent, others not so much. That closeness and familiarity can erode etiquette which can quickly result in friction.

 

With an independent coach, there is more distance and more respect. The role of "coach" is not overshadowed by the role of "parent". Thus, there is less push back, less drama, and more listening.

 

BTW, replace the words child/parent with spouse and everything above still holds true.

[Wish]

Same with employing your kids. Boss and dad is a tough balance.

[GOODESkier]

Trying being their teacher at school........

[Bill22]

@Wish been there, done that! It lasted about two years.

@Luzz thanks for the tips.