http://ResponsibleSports.comAvoid the dreaded PGA. Not the Professional Golfer’s Association but the Post Game Analysis. If you find yourself doing most of the talking as you're breaking down the game on the way home, it’s probably time to change the subject.http://responsiblesports.com/common/rss/parent_tips_rss.aspxSun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 ESTDevelop a mistake ritual to use with your child or adopt the team’s ritual, if the coach has introduced one. A mistake ritual is a physical gesture like a flushing motion, or shaking the hand, or brushing the shoulder that says, “Yes, you made a mistake, but it’s no big deal, so let’s flush it, or shake it off, or brush it off. Get ready for the next play.” This instills an attitude of bouncing back from mistakes.http://responsiblesports.com/common/rss/parent_tips_rss.aspxSun, 21 Feb 2010 00:00:00 ESTLet your child know you are ok with him not making a team. You may be disappointed for him if he doesn’t make it, but you won’t be disappointed in him. This can free him up to give his best effort.http://responsiblesports.com/common/rss/parent_tips_rss.aspxSun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 ESTFill the coach’s Emotional Tank. Let her know when she does something you like. Thank her for being the coach, especially after a losing game. Send a thank-you card in the middle of the season. Coaches with full Emotional Tanks have more to give to the team and to your athlete.http://responsiblesports.com/common/rss/parent_tips_rss.aspxSun, 31 Jan 2010 00:00:00 ESTRemember that the purpose of youth sports is education, not entertainment. Avoid adopting a win-at-all-cost attitude.http://responsiblesports.com/common/rss/parent_tips_rss.aspxSun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 ESTIf you have something to tell your child about her attitude, effort, support of teammates, or another issue, try asking for her permission. This will make her more open to your feedback. You might say, “There’s something I’ve noticed you could do that would help you be a better teammate. Do you mind if I tell you?” If she answers “no,” you must respect that and wait for other opportunities.http://responsiblesports.com/common/rss/parent_tips_rss.aspxSun, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 ESTHelp your young athlete to understand the value of a good opponent. Good opponents bring out the best in us. Model this attitude by talking about opponents respectfully. Never demonize the opponent as “the enemy.”http://responsiblesports.com/common/rss/parent_tips_rss.aspxSun, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST