When you were younger, did you (or someone you know) play on a Little League team? I’d venture to guess that you know at least one person. Why? Because one of the most exciting things that children can do (at least sports-wise!) is to join a Little League team.
Playing in this league is all about having fun with friends and enjoying the experience of being part of a team. So, whether you’re a parent looking to sign your child up, a kind human considering volunteering, or you’re just curious about why people love this sort of team. . . here are some tips for a fun season!
(Trust me when I say that the memories these kids will build during their ball-playing years will last for a lifetime. . . mine are!)
Tip #1: Involve Yourself
Go watch a practice. If you’re not coaching but your children are heavily involved in Little League, then go and watch a practice! Not only could you make new friends yourself, you’re going to see your children’s true ‘sports personality’ come out. You’ll see how well they work with their team, and you’ll still see how well they react when their team doesn’t win.
You’ll also be able to instill strong values, too, by helping your child to learn how to be a good team player and have a positive mental attitude no matter the outcome. The only way that you can do this, though, is if you’re actually there.
Tip #2: Be Your Child’s Cheerleader
One of the best things you can do when your child joins a Little League team is to be your child’s cheerleader. Now this doesn’t mean you need to stand up and embarrass them by hooting and hollering, but you do need to make sure that you’re cheering, advocating, and empowering your child to stand up for him/herself (in and out of the game).
Tip #3: Volunteer Your Time
Whether it’s handing out cups of water, catching bullpens, or taking stats, consider becoming a parent volunteer and sharing your time, money, or resources. This is the perfect way to get involved in your child’s sport (without being too involved), and it will help you to meet and make friends with some of the other parents on the team, too.
Tip #4: Create A Safe Space
Whether your child’s team wins or loses, it’s important to create a safe space for your child to decompress. You can do this by offering them a shoulder to talk/vent, creating fun playlists (for the post-game get together and/or the car ride home), and bringing simple tokens of support (anything from a comfort object to a snack). You can also invest in some pro lineup cards and engage with your child post-game about what he/she would do differently if in the coach’s position, or what he/she would do differently as far as personal performance.
However, don’t be too hard on your kiddo! Remind them that the point of the Little League is to learn, have fun, and be a part of a team. It’s okay to make mistakes, lose, or get frustrated. Just be a humble loser, dust the dirt off, and get back out there again!
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