Sports have the ability to create opportunities for young people to learn life lessons, both on and off the field. Here are 5 simple ways to make the most out of them:

1- Practice Together: Make practicing at home a family event by joining your children to practice a new skill or technique

2- Praise Specific Performance: Praise specific instances of good performance, rather than giving generic “good game”-type support

3- Engage: Talk with your child about what they are learning through sports, and let them know you really want to hear what they have to say

4- Vocalize Support: Express how proud you are of them, regardless of the game outcome, both before and after the game

5- Play Fair: Reinforce good sportsmanship by supporting positive behaviors and engaging in those behaviors as a spectator