Promoting Positive Youth Wellbeing in Sports: Insights from Recent Research

Deborah Childs from HelpingMinds has been exploring research topics in the space of adolescent wellbeing and recently presented on “Ugly Parent Syndrome” in children’s sports, shedding light on the significant impact parental behaviour can have on a child’s sporting experience and overall wellbeing. The research findings emphasized the importance of shifting the focus from outcomes to the process of enjoyment, effort, and personal growth.

A focus of the research outcomes was highlighting the need for community and school-based sporting programs need to encourage parents to adopt certain attitudes and behaviours to support their child’s positive sporting experience.
Key recommendations include:

• Self-reflection before a game: The research suggests that when parents take time to reflect on their own emotions and expectations before attending a sporting event, they are more likely to catch themselves and others’ inappropriate sideline behaviours.
• Focus on enjoyment: When parents prioritise their child’s enjoyment of the sport rather than the outcome of the game it facilitates protective parental relationships, improved self-talk, and increased long-term engagement in physical activity.
• Step away if emotions escalate: Parents should recognize when their emotions are escalating and take a step back to prevent negative reactions that could affect their child’s experience.
• Emphasize effort, enjoyment, and experience: The current study supports that when praise highlights the hard work and sportsmanship shown by the child, rather than just the final score, young people report more enjoyment in physical activities and higher levels of self-esteem.

Longitudinal research supports that small but significant adjustments in parent attitude can help foster a positive sense of wellbeing in young athletes, counteract declining self-esteem, and promote continued engagement in sports across Australia.
To support these positive changes at the community level, some suggested practical strategies include:

• Clear behavioural expectations: Clubs and sporting societies should set clear guidelines for appropriate behaviour both on and off the field. These expectations should be communicated proactively and consistently throughout the engagement.
• Proactive parent education workshops: Offering workshops to educate parents on supportive sideline behaviours can go a long way in creating a positive environment.
• Sideline marshals: Where possible, employing marshals to manage sideline behaviour can help ensure that the focus remains on positive support and enjoyment.

By encouraging these changes, we can create a sporting culture where children feel safe, valued, and motivated to continue their athletic pursuits, while also prioritising their overall wellbeing.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the above information in further detail, please feel free to reach out to the College Counselling team.

College Counsellors 

Allison Flanagan
aflanagan@wmac.com.au

Tia Reardon  
treardon@wmac.com.au