We want our kids to be the best they can be in all their endeavors, right? Always with the best intentions we correct our kids on what they could do better whether it’s in academics or sports. Sometimes, however, in our zest to help them improve we overlook the things they did well.

Often times my son will come up to me after practice and with obvious pride, ask if I saw that he juggled the ball 21 times. Instead of commending this achievement, I find myself pointing out something about his technique that if done correctly could enable him to touch the ball 30 or 40 times. After the words have already passed my lips, I realize—too late—my mistake. His enthusiasm is of course now deflated.

How does one carefully convey constructive criticism while at the same time ensure our children remain eager to apply the instruction and try harder? Have you ever noticed that you can tell your child to try a different approach to passing the ball more accurately and your words seem to fall on deaf ears? Yet, a friend’s parent can say the same exact thing during the next practice and your child actually listens and applies what he was told? Quite simply, it’s all in the delivery.

The next time you’re at your child’s practice, try out these tips from Liberty Mutual’s Responsible Sports Parenting Toolkit on how to provide ‘kid friendly criticism’.

Is there a special technique you use to help encourage your child to improve their game or their studies? Leave a comment and tell us what it is.

Linde Hyder, i9 Sports Mom Blogger

You may also be interested in these other related blog posts:

10 Things Your Kids Don’t want You to Say on the Feild

Getting Your Child to Open Up About Their Sporting Experience