How Parents Can Get Better Dealing with a Young Athlete’s Mood Swings
Highly competitive young athletes have mood swings. If a parent does not have a game plan to deal with it when it happens, they respond like thermometers. Just like a thermometer reacts to the temperature, parents react to the mood of their athletes. If the athlete’s mood runs hot, the parent runs hot. This is not a good way to deal with a moody athlete. If anything, it often makes bad situations worse.
On the other hand, when a parent has a game plan they are more like thermostats for their athlete’s mood. Unlike thermometers, thermostats not only read the temperature, but they are also capable of adjusting the temperature. So, if an athlete’s mood runs hot, the parent has the tools to intervene to lower the temperature. These tools include:
- Providing the opportunity for the athlete to communicate and disagree without judgement
- Helping the athlete focus on what they control and let go of the things he or she doesn’t control.
- Reframing the athlete’s perception of the situation.
In short, successful parents of athletes behave like thermostats not thermometers. If you find yourself reacting to your young athlete’s behavior like a thermometer, take a moment to reflect on what you can do differently. Then, adjust your mindset using this metaphor as a guide.