Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 2, 2019

14 Avoid labels Terms like talented , gifted , a natural or the “it” factor are all concepts often applied to athletes. It’s important to recognize your kids for their individual traits— like their work ethic, determination or positive attitude—and avoid stereotyping terms. Using concepts like this to compliment athletes may end up adding more pressure and doesn’t accurately describe what they’re doing well. Student Athlete Praise their efforts Although it’s great to celebrate wins with your kids, Dr. Trenerry suggests also “catching them being good” as they create good habits off the field. “Saying things to them like ‘Good decision to get ready tonight and get some sleep’ or ‘See how much your hard work paid off’ are ways of giving your kids praise for being responsible and developing skills and habits rather than just for scoring goals during a game,” he said. “Praising effort and decisions more than competition results recognizes what they can influence and helps them build persistence.” 1 Support 2 By Andrea Nagel Max Trenerry, Ph.D., ABPP- Cn, a psychologist at Mayo Clinic specializing in sports psychology and neuropsychology, visited Coeur d’Alene in March to discuss performance anxiety and injury adaptation. Over his stay, he worked with Kootenai Health staff and parents of student athletes, as well as local coaches and players. Here are a few of his tips to help you connect with your student athlete and encourage healthy habits.