As the school year gets into full swing and children dive into fall sports, many parents are eager for these early athletic experiences to impart important life skills like teamwork, perseverance, and respect.
With over 20 years of experience as a public school educator, camp leader, and parent, I’ve seen firsthand how sportsmanship can shape a child’s character. However, when competition heats up, staying calm and positive becomes challenging for both kids and parents.
Here are five practical, expert-backed tips for fostering good sportsmanship in your child, so they can enjoy the game and grow both on and off the field.
1. Explain What Sportsmanship Looks Like
Don’t assume your child understands sportsmanship—explain it clearly with specific examples. Teach them to:
- Respect teammates, opponents, and referees
- Win without boasting, lose without excuses
- Offer handshakes at the end of the game
- Cheer for teammates, even after mistakes
- Stay calm when refs make bad calls
- Celebrate as a team, not individually
Praise these behaviors to reinforce their importance.
2. Model the Behavior You Want to See
Children learn more from actions than words. As a spectator, be a positive role model by cheering for effort and progress, not just wins. Remember, your child isn’t being scouted for professional leagues—focus on fostering a positive attitude.
3. Support the Coach
Avoid sideline coaching and back the coach’s instructions. Conflicting messages can confuse your child and undermine the coach’s role. Encourage respect for their coach and teach your child to address concerns directly, helping them build communication skills.
4. Praise Progress, Not Just Results
Winning is fun, but growth matters more. Praise your child for improvements like teamwork, staying composed under pressure, and effort, whether or not they win.
5. Keep the Focus on Fun
For kids under 12, sports should prioritize fun and cooperation over competition. As youth coach Conor Porter says, “Development should be the only yardstick at this age.”
Related Reads:
- The Ultimate Back-to-School Checklist for Parents
- 5 Practical Back-to-School Tips From Teachers
- 10 Back-To-School Hacks to Save You Time
And to find some fun classes and activities for kids, check out our Kids Activity Guide.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
