Getting your kids to develop good physical fitness habits can never start to0 early. Soccer is a great way to keep your kids active and learn about teamwork and sportsmanship that helps build character for their lives ahead. Even health insurance companies, like
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, recognize the value of a healthy lifestyle and have developed incentive programs for physical fitness and wellness activities, such as
Blue Points. When first starting your children in a soccer program, it would be a good idea for you as a parent to think about a few very important things, such as… What do you want your kids to accomplish? How do you define success? How can I have a positive influence on my child’s experience?
more–>We often find ourselves as parents getting caught up in the emotional drama that unfolds on the field. A referee’s call, and opponent’s aggressive style of play, or a disagreement with a coaching decision can stir emotions that we haven’t felt in years. We all want to see our children succeed, but one parent’s definition of success may be different than another’s. Many parents define success in win/loss records. Others define it by skill improvement. Still others define it as “giving it your best.” In soccer, especially at young ages, it may be best to define it by how much FUN the kids are having. If they are having fun, they will continue to play. If they continue to play, they will have more opportunity to learn more skills, improve, and win more games. If they aren’t having fun, they may not come back next season.
As parents, we play a significant role in molding our children to become good soccer citizens. Below are a few guidelines for parents to observe to ensure the fun-factor is running high and character is at the forefront:
1. Understand the rules. Soccer is a contact sport with rules just like football or basketball. Know the rules and you will have a better spectator experience.
2. Unless you are willing to don the uniform, leave the rule enforcement to the referees. Verbal disagreement does nothing to change the outcome, but it does put a damper on fun!
3. Allow the coaches to “coach.” Don’t give instructions to the kids during games or practices. They have enough pressure to deal with already.
4. Support your coach. Many of them don’t have soccer experience.. Some may simply have a child in the game just like you and have volunteered their time to give to the club.
5. Volunteer your services. Water, ice, and snacks are always needed for half time and after the game.
6. Cheer at all the matches within the spirit of fair play, regardless of the outcome of the game. Compliment players from both teams who make good plays.
7. Allow players to make mistakes – this is when they learn.
8. Reward and encourage effort, not just wins/losses.
9. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the game!
It is often hard to remember a list of do’s and don’ts. So if you remember nothing else, remember that parents positively influence children’s memories and experiences in soccer. You can set the tone for a healthy lifestyle by setting a positive example at every match. Healthy kids become healthy adults and with the cost of health insurance today, it pays to have a good health history.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance plans offers a 15% discount on their
Blue Advantage and
Blue Options HSA plans to those who qualify.
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