How my parents raised me to be confident:

If every sports parent just lifted their kids up and added a little constructive criticism, that would be amazing. Sad how many don’t on the field. What’s worse is watching parents at the mall or Target/Walmart, how they talk to their kids and let them talk right back. Cussing both ways. Blows my mind. Makes me worry about the future.

I’ve always done this. Now my 13 year old rolls her eyes, “stop glazing Mom!” But I still do it because there are plenty of times I’m on her case too, so I’ve got to balance it out (and I think she secretly likes the “glazing” 😉)

Your Dad is an amazing person! Truly world class.

making up fake stories from your childhood from what you remember LOL

Great reminder for all parents and coaches to be heavy on the encouraging and being positive with your kids highlighting their unique strengths. We need more kids with that irrational confidence!

This is awesome and spot on. My father was the same way, and I aim to be this way for my kids. I was never the biggest or strongest, but I had the delusional confidence that allowed me to swim Division I, compete against olympians, and race internationally. I am now gearing up to launch my own business. Confidence triumphs everything. You’ll never be ready, just go get it.

It's best to assume the best with kids. I mean, why would anyone assume the worst case?

Amen

Why were you in the cars with all your friends after

Same type of upbringing and it makes a huge difference. Appreciate you sharing!

@tay_squared__

Good advice!

How would you know what happened with the conversations between your friends and their parents on the car ride home? Also, why did you not ride the bus home as a team together?

Big difference here I'm seeing is that it's not fake praise where one is told they did amazing even though maybe they didn't... It's encouraging overall, with the focus on growth, and fostering an environment of being able to overcome things, and handle failure. A lot different than A. focusing on the negatives too much, and B. what we often see nowadays where a parent is straight lying about little Johnny doing great even though maybe little johnny sucked and barely tried