Wrestling teaches discipline, control, and respect while also functioning as a healthy form of exercise. If you want to help your kids succeed, there are several steps you can take to support your children throughout their athletic journey.

What Parents of New Wrestlers Should Know

1. Talk to the Coaches

Tell the coaches about any preexisting health conditions, such as asthma, and in turn, ask that they share your child’s progress in practice. Coaches can also suggest at-home exercises and supplemental workouts to accelerate your kid’s learning. Additionally, a strong rapport with their coaches creates a friendly, supportive environment, which will make your child feel comfortable with continuing their lessons.

2. Feed Them Healthy Meals

To ensure your child is fueled for practice, prepare meals with healthy proteins, such as chicken, fish, nuts, and quinoa, to help your child build muscle. Whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and beans are carbohydrates that’ll provide them with energy for lengthy practices.

3. Reinforce a Positive Attitude

You can help your child develop a positive mentality by giving them small rewards after their win. Instead of sugary sweets, opt for healthy treats, like a refreshing fruit smoothie. If they lose a match, gently encourage them to think about what they learned from the experience and how they can use that knowledge in the future. Remind them that every time they step on the mat, it is an opportunity to learn and improve.

If your child wants to take wrestling lessons, contact the team of coaches at Hawaii Wrestling Academy in Aiea, HI. These professionals have over 30 years of coaching experience, and each teacher is USA Wrestling-certified. At this facility, your child can learn folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco-Roman wrestling, and all classes are open to kids who are 4 or older. View their practice schedule online, or call (808) 381-3048 to inquire about enrollment.