If your child plays youth soccer or other competitive sports, they’ll likely have days where they lose a match. While losing is part of the game, it can still be a heartbreaking experience for some kids after giving their all. As a parent, you can help them recover from the moment. Below are a few ways you can help your child overcome defeat and look forward to the next game.

3 Tips to Help Your Kid Cope After Losing

1. Give Them Space

It’s expected that your child will feel down following a loss on their youth soccer or sports game. Allow them to process their feelings before talking to them.

Give them time to understand and come to terms with the loss instead of approaching them immediately. When they’re ready to open up, they know where to find you.

2. Listen When They Talk

Be an active listener when your child speaks about their experience during their youth soccer or sports game. Let them recount it according to their perspective so you can understand their feelings better. However, pay attention to how they reacted following the loss—were they aggressive or disrespectful towards their coaches and teammates? Did they blame others for what happened? If they displayed negative behavior, correct them as soon as possible.

Moreover, help them understand what they feel. Doing so lets your child cope better the next time they lose a game.

3. Avoid Criticizing or Coaching Them

It might be tempting to point out your child’s mistakes during the game to help them improve, but that’s their coach’s job. Refrain from giving them tips or advice; instead, praise their efforts and hard work, even if the results were unfavorable. If they want to distract themselves by practicing, assist them in whatever way you can.

If your child loses their youth soccer game, help them cope with the above tips. Let them become better athletes with Beachside Soccer Club in Norwalk, CT. For over 24 years, their experienced coaches have helped soccer enthusiasts improve their skills. Check out their soccer tryouts schedule online, or call (203) 852-6969 to speak with someone from their team.