Sunday, August 28, 2011

Win $100 Gift card to Dicks Sporting Goods!



It's the end of the game... you've spent the week driving carpool, picking up kids, washing uniforms & packing snacks... It was a tough game,  your sitting in the stands waiting for your kid to walk across the field and talk to you so you can all go home.

Your hoping for a face like this:


The "I'm so happy, I had a great game, worked hard and had fun with my team"  face... Hopefully you get that face.  

Sometimes you do... sometimes you don't.  Sometimes there are cheers and sometimes there are tears... such is the life with a teenage athlete. 



My oldest plays field hockey.  It's a tough sport, highly skilled and physical.  The games are usually low scoring, fast paced and quite aggressive.

I always hope for that "face" at the end of the game.  But what happens when you don't get that face? I've been thinking about that a lot this year. We have had our share of ups and downs when it comes to playing sports.  I can honestly say that my daughter has done more "growing up" playing that sport that almost anything we could have done.  She's learned to deal with disappointment. She's learned what it means to work on a team. She's learned to speak up for herself and most of all she's learned that rewards come from hard work.

Gatorade asked me to write a little bit about how I support my young athlete... I've been mulling on this thought for about a month. How do I support and encourage her?  I drive her to practice, make sure she has healthy food to eat, I try to be at all of her games... but what is it I could share here with YOU about I how support her.  Then I started thinking about it and realized one of my FAVORITE things to do to support and encourage them is with crafts... hey this is a crafty blog!

We've done a few crafty things with the team over the years.  Last year we had them over to make tie dyed t-shirts.... I made a photo album for the coaches last year... but my favorite job of all is as the team photographer!   (I'm just an amateur but they don't care).


You see, the girls work hard and they want photos of themselves "in action".  I love to go to the games patrol the sidelines and try to get that "perfect" shot of them.  It's become quite a fun challenge for me.  After the games,  I come home and upload the photos to facebook. The kids have fun tagging themselves & their friends, they make the photos their profile pictures and best of all, most of them "friend" me on facebook.

The season is just starting for us. After a summer full of 6 AM practices it's time to start playing Field Hockey!! I'll have my usual place on the sidelines, camera in hand but this year, I wanted to do something a little extra too. So I decided to make them all GAME DAY SURVIVAL KITS.



Since nutrition is so important to young athletes, I tried to pull together a bag of goodies for them to take to the game, full of things to help them be prepared to play!

I worry a lot about my daughter eating right during sports season. I feel like I have to watch her so closely to make sure she is getting the proper amount of vitamins and protein.  Those kids work so hard and as her Mom, it's my responsibility to provide her with healthy things to eat.

I included some good carbs (apples, bananas, their favorite protein bar & trail mix) and a G Series Perform from Gatorade.

Did you know that G-series Perform is the best Gatorade for them to drink WHILE they are playing? I didn't... It helps athletes replace fluids, replenish electrolytes and refuel working muscles during exercise. I read a bit about it and think it's pretty cool that they have different formulas for different stages of play. And G -Series Prime from Gatorade is a good one for them to drink 15 minutes before they exercise because it provides pre-game fuel in the form of carbohydrates.

Also in the bag,  since it is field hockey, I included some bandages (for bumps and blisters), kleenex (incase of a hard defeat) and some cute hairbands (because it never hurts to be cute when you play). 

If you'd like to make your own SURVIVAL KIT- I've uploaded the graphic I made for the front of the bag online. You can download it (click here to download the PDF) and make your own (I've included some other color schemes and one without a field hockey stick).


So now you have a fun crafty idea to support them when they play but I've got a more serious question for ya'll ...  It's easy to think of what to say when they win and the game goes great, but...

"What do you say when things don't go their way?"

When they think the coach was mean, or the other team was unsportmanlike, or they are disappointed in how they played.  

Gatorade is thinking about this too: For more information and to encourage moms to support their athletes as they BECOME, Gatorade will donate one dollar up to $10,000 to the Women’s Sports Foundation for every pledge we receive at Gatorade Moms.

I've noticed with my kids that confidence is one of the greatest assets a young athlete can have. What has worked for you with your kids?

Leave a comment here and let me know your BEST MOM advice you'llx be entered to win a:

$100 Dicks Sporting Goods Gift Card!

Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry
methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment
on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on
this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about
an alternate form of entry.

For more chances to win check out the Gatorade Round Up page at BlogHer!

Sweepstakes Dates from 8/29/11-9/30/11

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here .




238 comments:

1 – 200 of 238   Newer›   Newest»
andrea creates said...

yes, this would be handy to win about now :)

Catherine said...

My best mom advice in relationship to sports/activities is to let your child follow his interests. I see parents force a kid into the sport they like when he's asking for something different. I think they're missing out on the chance to watch their child feel passionate about an activity.

Jen W said...

We always encourage our boys to do the best that they can...for themselves and their team (or bands for 2 of the boys!) Even if they don't win, it's how they've played and handle the disappointments that make them....not just winning the game. Sometimes you can learn more from your mistakes than from your wins.

Jen W said...

Here's my 2nd entry - I went to the official rules and entered the Gatorade Mom's Bleachers Phase 3 Sweepstakes Entry Form 2011 - since I don't Twitter or have a blog.

Thanks for the opportunity to win - and love your blog...read it every chance I can!

cathy said...

I have a very competitive teenage son he plays a sport every season basketball is his favorite and he is really has a future playing ball I let him talk things through after games then get food in his face asap and that makes the difference

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure about how to copy the Twitter URL...
http://twitter.com/#!/
Anyway, my twitter is AMKreations and I tweeted your giveaway also! Thanks for another chance to win.

Anonymous said...

I guess that my best advice, and I'm just new at this having my children in sports this year, is to do your best and have fun! I don't want my children to beat themselves up over a game...I want them to learn to be a team player, improve upon their skills and enjoy the process. Nothing in life is worth being miserable over and especially not sports...so, just give it your best and have fun!

Thanks for a chance to win this great prize. I could've used it when I was buying all their soccer gear. =) LOL...oh well...such is life.

Andrea said...

I am a girls lacrosse coach and the mom of a player. I coach my girls to have good character first (team player, good sports, etc) and to be good players second. You can never be ashamed of your performance if you do your best!

♥Duff said...

My best mom advice is to teach your child that you love him or her and when you're angry, it's about the action, not the person. So even when you're mad, still expect a kiss and say "I love you"!
My teenage son was really angry with me the other day, stomping around the house, but when he saw that I had a headache, he immediately offered to get me an ice pack. then he went back to not speaking! ha!

val said...

I always try to ask questions so that they come to their own conclusion. "Did you do your best?" No one can do better than that!

mattvaleiler at gmail dot com

Liz said...

My Mother in Law coaches a special ed softball team, and no matter whether they win or lose, they always line up to shake hands with the other players after the game. It's become sort of a tradition in our family to even shake hands after a domino game now. My kids are 3 and 5 and they get mad when they don't win, so I try to use the same spirit my MIL does: shake hands, say "good game".

Deb said...

My advice would be to not overload yourself with sports. As great as exercise and sports are...we ran ourselves ragged going here and yon with team sports when all 4 kids were involved in games. One year we decided to pull out of everything and have Dad teach all of us tennis...a sport they had not tried at the time. What fun we had as a family. No more rushing off to games with barely a bite of food together and no more 'you take this one and I'll take that one.' We enjoyed it so much being together that we kept it up. Such fun and family togetherness, too. Plus, less stress!

Unknown said...

i think the best mom advice is to teach your children to be good losers. not everyone is a winner every time, and i think children need to learn that you shouldn't throw a tantrum, you should just try harder next time.

Unknown said...

i tweeted about the giveaway i'm @makenhandmade :)

Amy said...

My kids are still young but I am sure that this advice and some of the comment's advice will be helpful as my kids get into sports.

Sarah Marie said...

What a great idea! I am going to do this for my daughter and her gymnastics team! It would be awesome to win the gift card as well. Her feet won't stop growing!! And we ALWAYS have gatorade in our house.. love it!

Julie said...

Best mom advice (I've been doing this for 27 years and counting , with an 11-year-old still at home) - ALWAYS show up for their games and events. Even if they lost, I've found that they feel so great that their mom/dad/family members care enough to show up for them!

Thanks for the chance to win!

knittingandsundries(at)gmail(dot)com

deserae said...

Just let them know how proud you are of them and that you love them!

Barbicide43 said...

I'm the mother of 3 little girls, one of which (the oldest) is just getting involved in organized sports. This idea is great!

Diana said...

Best advice, always be there at events, as much as they complain they want to see a friendly face in the crowd, have done this for 22 years, son loves gatorade and always had it around.

Kjersten said...

My advice is to tell your children to do the best they can and to have fun. Teach them to be good losers, and good winners. Be at all their games and support them.

pavla said...

yes, can I please, win? that would be nice :-)

Kelli said...

My kids are tee-ball aged, but after a youth filled with sports and being married to a basketball coach, I'd say my best advice is "Enjoy yourself and do your best." My kids probably won't ever be the best on the team. But they can enjoy the experience of being on a team and participating. They can enjoy the physical exercise and experience. And they can understand that by doing your best you help yourself, your team and your community.
Sports are a great thing, and I'm so glad to be a sports Momma!!

Anonymous said...

LET THEM KNOW HOW PROUD YOU ARE OF THEIR EFFORT - BY "SAYING" SO!
THANKS FOR SHARING!

jldouglas@wispwest.net

samilam said...

Thanks for the perspective... Love it!

Sam

Sallie said...

Ask them, "Did you have fun?"

melissamo1 said...

Sympathize, hug, listen, talk, encourage, and then give them perspective about how little it might mean in a year, five years, or even 20 years.

Sew Laughable said...

Well I am not a mom but I will give you the best advice my mom has given me!! "Its easy to talk just remember to listen."

Jessica said...

My kids are little, so we just encourage them to play the game!

Monica said...

I like to encourage them to find the places they've improved or the strengths of their team during the game. There are a lot of skills and details in a sport, far beyond the end result.

Lisa said...

My best advice is to teach you children good sportsmanship no matter what. Even if the other team was rough, ref stunk, the team had a bad day or if the other team just flat out beat them. Its tough when you are young but also easer teach. Also to just have fun and when its no longer fun we need to find out why, then if possible change it.

Samantha Odo said...

This definitely would come in handy!

A. Scott said...

My best mom advice is to always work hard and be proud of your accomplishments even if it wasn't your best day. If you respond to others in a rude manner you'll feel less pleased with yourself. What matters is how you feel, not what they say!

K said...

Our girls are just starting their sporting careers, thanks for the advice!

Kimberly said...

If you tried your best your are a winner in Mommys eyes :)

kristinorth said...

Do your best, and have FUN, win or lose!

Katherine said...

To find a sport or activity that you really enjoy, set goals for yourself, and work hard to achieve them!

Sarah said...

I think the best thing you can teach your kids is how to be a gracious winner or looser. You can not always control what someone else will do, but you can control what you will do and say.

Donna S. said...

Stress good sportsmanship!!!! Win or lose- be a good sport. Losing a game doesn't make you a loser.

Laura said...

I love the idea of healthy treat bags. Thanks for the printable and the chance to win.

Linda said...

Nifty give away! A couple things to stress...to always do your best and even if you don't win the game you will be a winner. Also, it is important to have good sportsmanship whether you win the game or not.

PLEPOMA said...

My advice to my daughter is to always do the best that you can. Things will not always go your way but it's how you react to the situation tht counts.
plepoma@aol.com

Lue H said...

My son is 30 years old and this old soccer mom still goes to cheer him on during his games. I still encourage his team mates along by yelling, "nice save" or "good head butt". I laugh when he waves at me from the field after he blocks a goal from the opponent. My husband and I are now joined by his wife and still enjoy telling him that he played a great game.

Unknown said...

There is always something positive to cheer and I try to stick to the positive. My very regular reminder to my kids in all situations is that the only thing you can control is you. So much energy is wasted in the complaining about others and it changes nothing. I think just being there to cheer is very important. The coach will tell them what they did wrong if needed but I may be the only voice of love and encouragement they hear. Thanks for offering the great prize!

boocallie said...

If your child signs up to play, encourage him to finish. Win or lose, commitment is learned which will positively affect his life. Or hers, of course! I have boys and grandboys.

Amy said...

I would say to be a good sport. Being a good sport to me means to play fair, stay positive, be a good team member, not being a sore loser, winning humbly, listening to leaders, and having a winning attitude no matter what.

Stevie said...

My son is a freshman this year. We are adopting him and his dream has been to play football. He has never played his entire life and he's up against teens that's been playing since midget football. I've told him to give 110% and he'll earn respect. He's so worried about the others liking him because "he's different". I tell him to be himself. He's definitely starting to get noticed by the coaches. He's quick and a little above average height. He's practicing against 9-12 grade and several of the seniors are getting mad because he keeps intercepting the balls. The coaches are happy to see he's not afraid while he's out there on the field. He's had a couple hard days and I remind him if it's too overwhelming it's okay, but he tells me he's so passionate about the game. It's amazing to see him as a timid boy that is growing into a team player. Thanks for the chance to win this, he would love it. Oh yes and he knows all about gatorade and the pregame, during the game, and after the game types. We see them at WalMart and it's his drink of choice!

The Reed Family said...

Best advice~"Do your best" Only 3 words but if you instill that through sports as a child it will follow to adulthood in many other ways ;) Thanks

Amy said...

I would say drink Gatorade before during and after the game and most of all.... ENJOY!

mysweetbella said...

My best advice is to use lots of words of encouragement and let them know that you can't always win but its how you played the game. If you gave it 110% and tried your very best, that is what is important. I would let them know that as long as they were having fun and really enjoying what they were doing, then that is all that matters.

Michelle said...

My best advice to my son is do your best, play fair, encourage others, and HAVE FUN!!

The Old Parsonage said...

Well... with 2 grown sons both having played sports I can only say "that life isn't always fair you just have to do your best with with you're given."

Leann

Rachel said...

I'm not a mom but when I was in sports I liked having someone that really listened to what I was saying and always genuinely supported me.

IndiANNa said...

My best mom advice is as long as you do your personal best, you should be happy. I am super competitive and need to remind myself that it isn't all about winning! Hope I am making that clear to my girls!

Unknown said...

My husband coaches my son's pop warner football team of 7, 8 and 9 year olds. I think the best advice I have heard him give, is to always talk up their teammates as well as the other team. We encourage our kids to always offer encouragement to each other, especially when they see a teammate who isn't happy with their performance. That is a great lesson, not just for sports, but for life. Always talk each other up.
Thanks!

kate blue said...

I'm new to being a sports mom, my dd has never played sports until this year (9th grade) (same sport too-GO field hockey!) and I too do the same-practices, snacks, encouragement to respect our teammates and coaches. AND, as a scrapbooker, I've been designated as the team photographer! Thanks for the pdf-am gonna use it in my Smash book!

Mami2jcn said...

Always listen and show sympathy, give hugs, but tell them in life there will be disappointments and it's the true measure of a person to rise up and keep going.

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Mami2jcn said...

tweet:

http://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/109599075187425280

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

Elena said...

My son loves soccer. We make sure he always has a water bottle with him to stay hydrated.

elena150980@yahoo.com

Elena said...

tweeted:

http://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/109667882518065152

elena150980@yahoo.com

Theresa Merkling said...

My daughters have never really gotten into mainstream athletics, but my youngest is the last in school (junior in HS) - she's in JROTC and will be on the rifle team this year... yeah, not your soccer mom here, but we do have our own expressions...

Anonymous said...

always cheer them on and support them 100% and just make sure they are happy

pokergrl8 at gmail.com

Anonymous said...

http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/109691419723177984

pokergrl8 at gmail.com

Lena K. said...

I love this! My daughter is only 4, but hates to lose! As long as she doesn't act like a poor sport, we agree with her that losing is not as fun as winning - work harder!

Melissa W. said...

Great tips. I love the survival bag. I am going to make one for my daughter's soccer game this weekend. Thanks

Candace said...

I try to find a couple of positive moments during the game and focus on them

Angela said...

To have fun! I hope they try lots of things until they can find what they have the most fun with!

Michele said...

Work hard and always be a good sport. WIn and lose gracefully.

susan1215 said...

We teach out children to be good sports and have fun whether they win or loose

s2s2 at comcast dot net

susan1215 said...

http://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/110072953672183808

s2s2 at comcast dot net

Candyce said...

My daughter is at a point where she'll feel very frustrated if she doesn't quickly master something. I tell her to relax and try to have fun and to step away from something if she needs to.
ceevegnashville -at- gmail -dot- com

Ali said...

I always just tell them that I am proud of them and encourage them to keep working hard and doing their best.

Anonymous said...

This would be great!
aschrick at insight dot rr dot com

stormybrew57 said...

I could have alot of fun with that! Please enter me. Thank You, Beth N. (stormybrew57@aol.com)

Karen of Little Red House Designs said...

You are so right about making sure our kids eat their best during sport season!

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

A very timely blog post considering so many of us are getting our kiddos up and running with their fall sports! My three kids play various sports year round and my husband and I have always encouraged the "there's no I in TEAM" mentality. While it's wonderful for them to experience individual success and try hard to improve their performance, it makes me most proud to see them develop as a team player. It is such a character builder to be a part of something bigger than yourself!

Kelley said...

Great advice! My daughter is now the starting LAX goalie in her sophomore year at college! I did my best to instill these things as she grew up playing sports, and she has done a great job in taking these with her now that she's on her own. I do still send her care packages to the same effect tho. :) They will always be your babies!

Thanks for the giveaway opportunity! This could definitely come in handy for her! :)

Kelley
kelleybinko@gmail.com

Kelley said...

This is my 2nd entry - I went to the official rules and entered the Gatorade Mom's Bleachers Phase 3 Sweepstakes Entry Form 2011 - I don't have a blog. And I do have Twitter, but I don't really know how to use it well. :-/

Thanks again!
Kelley
kelleybinko@gmail.com

Liz said...

I'm not a mom {yet} but the best advice my own mama gave me was "Work hard because you are the only one you can hold responsible for your success. If you rely on other people to perform for you and give you credit, you will be waiting a long time. Make your own credit"

Loved it. I learned to work hard all of the time. I became responsible for my success.

oneordinaryday said...

Encouraging my kids to have fun and be team players is huge. There is no I in TEAM. :)

mang said...

This would be great to win!

amydear said...

My kids love G2, I'm hoping for a G natural beverage soon. And I'm getting excited for soccer and swimming to gear up. We like to keep it friendly and fun on the field, with an emphasis on effort and respect.

Shelley said...

I could really love to win. My son just started fall ball and needs a new bat :)

Lisa said...

What a great offer! I would LOVE LOVE LOVE a cooler on wheels. Keeping kids hydrated is often left to us parents and lugging it to/from the ball field is HARD.

Brett and Kimberly said...

I hope I win! The best advice given to me was probably to do my best. Always. Do your best.

LF said...

In my experience, sometimes it is best not to say anything right away. Often times your child needs time to process things. No matter what you say may not be the right thing. Afterwards, they may come to you, ready to talk and then things will probably be listened to and understood better.

JaideyBug said...

I'm not a mom, but my mom always told me to "act as good as you look and you'll be okay." So that's what I hope I can pass on to my kids.

Sharon H-Georgia said...

I am new to your blog.....and love it! I have 3 boys and it's not cheap to outfit them for sports! So a Dick's sporting goods gift card would be great! I am keeping my fingers crossed hoping I will win! Thanks!
Sharon H

marisa said...

We could really use this! Thanks!

Darcy said...

My best advice is to HAVE FUN!! and don't worry about winning or losing.

Darcy

Darcy said...

My best advice is to HAVE FUN!! and don't worry about winning or losing.

Darcy

Eleanor said...

My kids are not particularly interested in sports so we have encouraged them by doing things as a family. My husband mountain bikes with the big kids. I am running with the younger kids and we all hike together.

Stohl Family said...

The best mom advice I have every received is to never let your children hear they are not perfect from you. They may hear it from the world, but not from their mom!

Anonymous said...

the best mom advice i've received is to cherish each and every moment with your kids because it won't take long before they start pulling away from you!

JC said...

Give hugs, be a good listener and remind your young athletes sports is all about team work and enjoy the process.

JC said...

http://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/111677451591094272

tmc480 said...

My advice to my children is do the best you can do and dont judge yourself from other's standards
tmc480 at yahoo dot com

Kimberly said...

My best advice is that what happens on the field is not who "you" are as a person. You are still you if even if you make a mistake and that we love you regardless of what happens on the field.

mar said...

I always encourage my grandsons to play to the best of their ability while still having fun.

LWons@HotMail.com

JULIE B said...

I agree that confidence is one of the best assets but I think that good sportsmanship is the foundation for all athletes to build other assets on.

JULIE B said...

http://twitter.com/#!/PLSvote4me/status/112257113883029504 tweeted by @plsvote4me

peg42 said...

My best "mom advice" is to always support your kids. Even if they don't do well, still praise and encourage them.
Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

peg42 said...

I tweeted:http://twitter.com/#!/peg42/status/112288161593442304
Thanks
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

My best advice was always try your best, have fun, and be a good sport! grammypenny@frontier.com

Mysharona said...

Letting them know that as long as they play hard, they have won.

mrs.mommyy said...

I try to encourage him to be a team player.stay hydrated, rest properly

Anonymous said...

We offer encouraging words and tell him to do his best and have fun.

rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com

DLonna said...

I have four boys. Our weekdays are spent at practices or training, and Saturdays on the soccer and baseball fields or at the starting line to a 5k. They are an active group.
At the end of every game or race win or lose, I ask, "did you do your best?". If the answer is "yes", we have had a successful time.

sweepmom said...

When my son would lose, we would ask him if he tried his best. If yes, then good, if not then he should try harder next time.

Lisa said...

Winning isn't everything but rather how well you played the game. msmith572@yahoo.com

Lisa said...

Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/flowergirl523/status/112532875022315520

msmith572@yahoo.com

Lisa said...

Blogged: http://insanityisforthelame.blogspot.com/2011/09/polka-dot-chair-too-win-100-gift-card.html

msmith572@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

my son plays a lot of different sports and my daughter doesn't play any. i have tried to get her involved, but she just isn't athletic and doesn't enjoy playing sports. so my mom advice is to not force it - let them try everything out, but if they don't like it, let them pursue their own interests. she loves music and theater and dance, so she does plays and takes piano lessons, and sometimes dance and gymnastics (not competitively)

mscoffee77 said...

My biggest piece of Mom advice is for your child to only partcipate in one sport (or after scghool activity) at a time.

mscoffee77(AT)juno(DOT)com

clc408 said...

I try to point out the positive things they do to make a difference in the game or to the team.

clc408 said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/clc408/status/112546235285651457

Anonymous said...

WINNING IS NOT AS IMPORTANT AS HOW YOU PLAYED THE GAME!

jldouglas@wispwest.net

ohstac said...

I try to point out the positive aspects of the game- you had a nice block or your endurance was really good. It's important to let them know that they can't win them all!
nrdunningATgmailDOTcom

ohstac said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/ohstac/statuses/112583051468488704
nrdunningATgmailDOtcom

Unknown said...

I like to let them know that I'm proud of them no matter what.

hafner611{AT}gmail{DOT}com

mickeyfan said...

My daughter's high school basketball team was 0 (wins) for two SEASONS, so I certainly know about things not going well. All you could do was be sympathetic. I do have to say that almost 10 years later, those girls are all still quite close... tears are a great bonding mechanism!! :)

Stephanie said...

good sleep, nutrition and attitude whether win or lose
tvollowitz at aol dot com

buzzd said...

Go to the games and keep positive even when there are setbacks or losses

NrdyGmrGrl said...

Always be positive and show plenty of encouragement

Jani Jo said...

I know that a lot of what kids learn from sports is TEAMWORK. And I love that. However, I also think it's important to have kids participate in individual-based sports: ie, wrestling, dance solos, etc that allow them to take all the credit when they succeed and also to take responsibility when they have 'set-backs'.

Valerie Taylor Mabrey said...

do not get stressed about the small stuff and laugh off the oops moments

Anonymous said...

if you never loose you can't appreciate winning
Thanks so much!! Janna Johnson jannajanna@hotmail.com janna@feedyourpig on gfc

ryanac32 said...

I teach them to do their best and not every one ends up a winner 100 percent of the time
ryanac32 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

My advice to my children has been that although they have natural athletic talent they also need to develop a discipline toward their chosen sport
rjs682 at yahoo dot com

sweetsue said...

My best mom advice is to learn from your mistakes.
smchester at gmail dot com

wendy gutierrez said...

My son played baseball last year & football this year. We encourage him to pick a sport he would like to try. We want him to have fun & experience new things wgcaligirl@gmail.com

sweepstakes said...

You have to let your kids do want they want to do. I've seen lots of miserable kids doing sports only because there parents wanted them to.

lyndsey said...

encourage the kids to play a sport, any sport - they can choose but it's good to exercize!
lyndsey dot hauck at gmail dot com

Nancy said...

My best mom advice about sports is to just have fun and do your best. Some of these parents take it all too seriously.....

Nancy said...

Tweet: http://twitter.com/njhhb/statuses/115805713237934080

Anonymous said...

My best advice is to have fun and have a good attitude about it whether you win or lose...it's not all about the winning, though that is fun...when it stops being fun, it's not worth playing. dguillen at kc dot rr dot com

Anonymous said...

http://twitter.com/#!/guillenwins/status/115811100607516672
dguillen at kc dot rr dot com

msrodeobrat said...

Encourage them, but allow them to ultimately make some decisions. If they start to feel too overwhelemed, don't push them into sticking with something if they aren't happy
addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com

KMG852 said...

well love them unconditionally and prepare them as best you can emotionally and physically and hope for the best!

Tina said...

" never give up"
merleandtina@yahoo.com

Tina said...

http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/116033512250937344
merleandtina@yahoo.com

Andrew said...

any and all encouragement helps those youngsters!

Selinda said...

My son is young, so we talk about things that he did well and then we point out one or two things to work on for next time.

Thanks,

selinda_mccumbers at yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

The ol' adage, "it's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game" seems to sum up my philosophy for my young boys. When my 5 year old wanted to skip lacrosse camp, I reminded him that his team was counting on him to show up (to get a point for prizes at the end of camp) -- team sports are fantastic teachable opportunities in the early years!!

aliciawallace41 said...

Be a good cheerleader

Carolyn G said...

Be yourself

Jennifer Neal said...

Try your best, that's all we can ask!

wigget said...

give lots of support

nobimbo said...

Teach your kids how to set goals; they will learn the feeling of accomplishment when goals are reached.

nobimbo said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/#!/nobimbo1/status/117576868395368449

Unknown said...

I always told my son that winning was only a small part of the game. The most important part was to play the game to have fun. All the rest will come.

gmissycat at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Tweeted here too

http://twitter.com/#!/gmissycat/status/117607752758591488

gmissycat at yahoo dot com

Annie said...

I let them know that there are always ups and downs in life and to keep trying their best. It all works out.

pansyadams@gmail.com

Gina W said...

My best mom advice is to encourage your kids to have fun and don't force them to do a sport (or any activity) if they don't want to do it.

gina@walczakphotography.com

ky2here said...

I think it's important to be genuine and honest. I won't tell them they did a great job if they came in last. I'll tell them I'm proud of them, acknowledge that they had a bad day and ask what they want to do (and I'm probably going to be an easy target for pizza or ice cream). There's nothing wrong with acknowledging mistakes in a non-shaming non-cruel way.

ky2here at msn dot com

ky2here said...

http://twitter.com/#!/ky2here1/status/118054409660936193

ky2here at msn dot com

Karen said...

Try your best has always been my motto :)

Karen Gonyea
ktgonyea at gmail.com

Lindsay Ann Rasmussen said...

I've tired from the very beginning to tell my kids that someone has to loose. (maybe thats harsh...) so when things dont go their way, they aren't too dissapointed in themselves. As long as they had fun!!

Lindsay Ann Rasmussen said...

We to the official rules! What a great giveaway!

Shannon said...

My oldest plays soccer and we drink the heck outta some gatorade!

schulze_austin@yahoo.com

Bree said...

My best mom advice so far is to guide from a distance. Kiddo's gotta make his own mistakes and learn from them. There are some mistakes that are best to prevent of course, but they'll never learn if you're a helicopter instead of a mom. Learning from their mistakes helps them gain confidence!

Pamcakes said...

Mom advice for sports is be the support system. Be there on good days and bad, be the cheerleaders and be there to take care of bruised egos. Just let your kiddo know you love them and support them!
b dot ringer at hotmail dot com

Pamcakes said...

Tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/ContestMom/status/118456269605568512
b dot ringer at hotmail dot com

Kim said...

My best mom advice is be nice to everyone not just your friends

kimbraithwaite at gmail dot com

Kim said...

I also followed the blog.
Don't pretend to be anyone but yourself
kimbraithwaite at gmail dot com

Family said...

Good sportsmanship! always do your best! thanks
marthablake3@gmail.com

Derk Thomas said...

be yourself and do what you like

Anonymous said...

My best Mom Advice is to just HAVE FUN!

jtckkataoldotcom
Joyce H

Keshia said...

My son is 2 I just encourage him to have fun, even if it means he just makes up the game as he goes. So what if he runs to 3rd instead of 1st when Daddy is trying to teach him baseball. He has plenty of time to learn the "rules" :)

kmriden1@msn.com

Keshia said...

Tweet!
http://twitter.com/#!/Coopers_Mommy09/status/118657448843292672

kmriden1@msn.com

Anonymous said...

When my son gets frustrated because he's not doing well and says, I can't do it.", I tell him he can do anything s he doesn't get defeated.

IHeartQuilting said...

I have always told my kids to do their best and have fun. It is sometimes hard to do that during a sports game, because there are always parents (you've seen them) who scream and yell at the kids when they play, because THEIR kids must win. The other thing I won't allow them to do is quit, if they have committed to being on a team.

Lindsay said...

BESTMOM advice: Stay out of the dugout!
My little guy has just gotten into sports, I have an aunt who has 6 boys (lots of experience)!! She gave me that advice. It is best to leave your child alone during the game. If you go in and yell at them, you look like a fool and embarass them. Save it for after the game. I thought this was great advice and have tried to remember it for my little athlete (who would LOVE the gift card). :)

Melissa O. said...

I remind people of the process through which they gained something valuable even if they didn't get the end result they'd wished for.

wolverina401 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Advice:
Take care to lose gracefully.
Take even greater care to win gracefully.

chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

@chrisdeglen Tweeted -

http://twitter.com/#!/chrisdeglen/status/118914641941381120

chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com

Aisling said...

I tell my kids to play their best and be a good sport - that includes boosting other kids and telling them when they've done well. mcgillrmcgill(at)charter(dot)net

shelley said...

Me and my husbands coach our kids teams. So teamwork and sportsmanship is very important. You have to learn to win well and to loose well.

shelleymikey at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Let your children feel comfortable trying different things without it being YOU that decides what it will be..and to just enjoy life!
kendraco22 at yahoo dot com

imaclutz89 said...

We keep the sport fun. Don't put too much pressure on winning and make sure she's having a great time playing out there.

sugarsweet7202@yahoo(dot)com

imaclutz89 said...

Tweeted.

http://twitter.com/#!/imaclutz89/status/119249995936440320

sugarsweet7202@yahoo(dot)com

Theresa said...

My best mom advice was to tell my daughter that if she isn't playing a sport she loves, she's not giving it her all and she should find something that makes her happy. She ended up leaving gymnastics after that and joined a swim team where she is excelling and it has given her such a confidence boost. You have to love what you do or you are cheating yourself and your team by not doing your best.

Theresa
paradise459 (at) sbcglobal (dot) net

Theresa said...

tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/marison459/status/119250776488030209

Thanks!
Theresa
paradise459 (at) sbcglobal (dot) net

stacy said...

Supporting them through the wins and the losses. I let them know that you can't always win and you have to learn to win and lose gracefully. As long as you played and had fun, that's what matters.

the imagine tree at aol dot com

Heather said...

I think my best Mom advice is to just enjoy what you are doing, your not always going to win, and that's okay. If you gave it your best shot, that is all that can be asked of you.

Heather said...

I tweeted. http://twitter.com/#!/heatherlaverne1/status/119366785605713920

Unknown said...

My best advice is to follow your heart. Don't just get into a sport because a friend like's it. Do what brings you joy!

rugerpuppies at hotmail dot com

angie lilly said...

I remind them that winning is not the goal. Fun is the goal. I also encourage them to do more active things as individuals or with friends rather than to participate in competitive activities.
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com

angie lilly said...

I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/FotoMacro/status/119451666587205633
Angie
14earth at gmail dot com

Valeen said...

I'm a big proponant of good sportsmanship, not matter what. We always remind our kids to have fun, play hard, and play fair.

sweepyhead at gmail dot com

MCantu1019 said...

Just do your best.
MCantu1019 at aol dot com

sodahoney said...

They learn about winning and losing from an early age. At 2 and 3 we play board game and card games. We kick the ball around. We gradually build to more sports. They learn early someone wins and someone loses.

sodahoney said...

Blog http://sodahoney.blogspot.com/2011/09/welcome-to-go-to-guide-for-moms-of.html

Barbara Bee said...

Support them in doing what they enjoy even if it's not your favorite sport, or even if they're not all that good at it.


3oink63moo484@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

tell them they did their best and unfortunately you don't won all the time



otreskovich@hotmail.com

Lisa Garner said...

I try to teach my children that no matter win or lose the important part is that they try their best. I let them know that they won't always win but can always take pride in a good job.
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

Lisa Garner said...

I Tweeted this giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/lisalmg/status/119568563848757249
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

maria g said...

My best advice would be that the best asset any athlete could have is a strong support system. win or lose my little sportsman has to know he did his best and he did a terrific job.

Chip said...

My kids are still young. I make sure that when they feel they don't do well or they lose, I give them lots of hugs and give them the support that they need.
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

Chip said...

Tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/chipdip2010/status/119601804437766144
chipdip2010(at)hotmail(dot)com

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