How do Responsible Sports Parents fill their childrens Emotional Tanks?
Responsible Sports Parents can help fill their child’s emotional tank by creating a balance of both specific truthful praise and specific constructive criticism. Research shows that the Magic Ratio is 5:1, five praises to one criticism, which fosters the ideal learning environment. Children need this level of praise and reinforcement in order to advance. The key is to avoid empty, unearned praise. The praise must be truthful and specific (i.e., not just “Way to go,” but, “Good thinking, Tim, I noticed in the second half you aimed at the far post on all three of your shots.”). Be sure your non-verbal communication also maintains the Magic Ratio. You fill Emotional Tanks when you listen, nod, clap and smile. Tank drainers include ignoring, frowning, head-shaking, eye-rolling and yelling. If you happen to see a videotape of last week’s game, are you embarrassed to see or hear yourself, or do you feel good about your actions on the sidelines? It’s not easy – we know that. But as Responsibl
