This blog is an add on from the last blog “Open Communication WIth Parents”.
As an athlete and a son/daughter to our parents, we have a perception of our authority figures. Athletes think that their parents might critique them hard and expect a lot from them. Sometimes your performance isn’t the best and you are scared that you are going to let down your parents. This could add anxiety or lower confidence right before you ball out. Do you think you are going to perform well if this happens? Most likely no. We need to make sure we don’t have miscommunication! I am going to put down a list of questions you might want to ask yourself and communicate with your parents. Before I do that, I want to write to the parents to make sure everyone is on the same page.
A quick note to parents:
It is assumed that everyone has good intentions for the child/athlete. This is meant to be educational and enlightening, not frustrating or degrading to you or the athlete.
These yes/no answers do not have as much to do with reality as they do your child’s perception of reality. Their perception of reality is, in essence, their mindset. Their mindset will not change if their perception of reality does not change.
Together with your child, it is important to have open communication about these issues. Understanding, care, self-knowledge, reflection, honesty, and admitting when you are wrong is important for both parties to improve.
Questions & my personal answers:
- Mentally, my parents help me with…
- Get me in the zone and make sure I have fun when I play!
- Accidentally, my parents inadvertently hurt me mentally by…
- Make me focus on skills that I never done in a game before
- I would like my parents to critique me by…
- Directly to me. I need to know the feedback so I can improve
- My parents can pump me up by….
- Joking around and talk about other things other than basketball
- My parents can give me feedback when…
- When I ask for it, Make it positive but still give feedback
Written by:
Sarah Grippi
Basketball Mindset