How Do I Realistically Help My Kids Believe in Themselves?

All Pro Dad Podcast

When you were a kid, what did you want to do when you grew up? Play shortstop for the Yankees? Become an astronaut? A firefighter? Kids dream big dreams. Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, Buck Buchanan, and BJ Foster examine how to encourage our kids to chase their dreams without losing sight of reality.
Per NCAA (2020 stats), the “estimated probability of competing in professional athletics" by sport:
Baseball: 9.9%
Ice hockey: 7.4%
Football: 1.6%
Men’s basketball 1.2%
A 2019 survey conducted by The Harris Poll found more than 40 percent of dads reported that they expect their child to become a professional athlete. On average, parents say a third of their income goes towards covering their children’s expenses, including sports, and 27 percent spend $500 or more per month on youth sports. The sacrifices parents are making to pay for their kids’ sports are well documented.
To pay for their kids’ sports expenses:
36% of parents are taking fewer vacations
19% are working a second job
21% are delaying retirement
(Stats via sportsdestinations.com
Bottomline: Encourage your kid’s character, not their performance.

Today’s Pro Move: In the next 24 hours, encourage your child by telling him or her one thing you love and respect about their character.
Related resources:
Jim Valvano and the Power of Believing in Your Kids

6 Ways Your Kids Know You Believe In Them
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