Traits of the Perfect Environment for Raising Athletes
Some people think athletes are born, and others think athletes develop. Either way, as with most traits of human existence, athleticism is a product of both nature and nurture. Therefore, a parent would be wise to focus their energy on nurturing the nature of their child rather than accepting their child’s nature as is.
Unquestionably, for sports parents nurturing the nature of athleticism starts with their child’s environment. Moreover, the foundation for this environment are values. I suggest parents start with the 10 core values that build self-motivation in athletes.
1. Purpose
2. Sacrifice
3. Discipline
4. Integrity
5. Preparation
6. Personal Growth
7. Work Ethic
8. Commitment
9. Responsibility
10. Quality
Next, after a parent establishes their process for instilling these values, then it’s all about the people who influence their child. A child who loves sports can thrive with nearly any level of natural athletic ability when they are in an environment surrounded by the right friends, teachers, and coaches.
Friends
- Similar goals and core values
- Parents who provide structure and loving discipline
- Provide positive and constructive peer pressure
Teachers
- Provide tools and techniques to help with time management
- Communicates progress regularly with parent and child
- Focuses on the process of learning instead of just test taking
- Supportive of athletic goals and creates harmony with academic goals.
Coaches
- Encourages and helps with goal setting
- Helps to create a plan to achieve goals
- Focuses on skill development instead of just winning
- Provides appropriate and timely feedback, both positive and negative
- Takes the time to teach the “why” behind what they do