Most parents have been in this position at least once, and if you haven’t, be prepared because it’s inevitable. Your child will likely struggle when it comes to reaching that goal, whether it is in sports, academics, or theater. No matter what your child does, they will feel disappointed at not being selected for a team. How do you help your child through this phase as a parent?
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How you handle the situation can determine how your child accepts the disappointment. Sarah R. Moore, a conscious parents expert, said, “It’s going to happen to every single child on the planet at some time.” The author recommends that parents don’t talk about how they missed out on the soccer team in high school or the lead in the school play, at least at first. Don’t assume how your child feels, but instead, listen.
Moore warns, “Saying sympathy may make your child think they need it when they are OK with the decision.” It can be even more challenging when your child doesn’t make the team but his friends do. A feeling of jealousy, anger, or disappointment is appropriate. All your child needs are space to experience everything.
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Your child should congratulate his friends but be flexible. Children who initiate will feel more genuine. For over 30 years, Patrick Cohn has been a mental performance coach for athletes of all ages. Life lessons can and should be learned from these challenging moments.
The time to reevaluate has arrived, says Cohn to Yahoo Life. “You may not make the group or get that interview every time. The maturation rate of children varies, especially with younger athletes. It may be difficult for a young child to compete with older competitors physically and mentally.