Abby Wambach has some sage advice for parents who have kids that play sports.
On the Sept. 23 episode of her “Welcome to the Party” podcast, the Olympic soccer player, along with co-host Julie Foudy, discussed survival tips for parents with athletes.
While Wambach said she was pro kids playing multiple sports, guest Rebecca Lowe, NBC’s Premier League host and Olympic broadcaster, said there isn’t enough time.
“Are we supposed to go to every practice?” Lowe asked, before Wambach replied, “No.”
“That is actually on my don’ts list,” Wambach continued. “Do not go to the practices and watch your children. This is their time.”
A shocked Lowe quipped, “Ever?!” before Wambach explained her answer.
The soccer star said that the purpose of practice “is not for the kid to look over their shoulder and make sure that their mom or dad or parent is sitting on the sideline watching them.”
“Practice is for free play for them,” she continued. “That there is nothing that’s going to encumber them from trying something new… taking a risk, making a mistake, trying something, being successful. Because what we’re then doing is, we’re externalizing all of our motivation.”
Wambach believes that sometimes the kid will then seek approval from their parent and “it becomes very difficult to actually curate in yourself.”
She says it’s better to have “internal motivation” so the children can be self-starters.
People in the comments section agreed with Wambach, as well as asked follow-up questions.
“I’m a therapist and I approve of this message from Abby Wambach,” one person wrote, while another added, “So spot on Abigail. I was nodding my head w such vigor, my neck hurts.”
One person did ask: “What age do you think we can start stepping away from practice?”
Others also shared how even if they do attend their kids’ practice, they also take part in an activity during that time.
“Our club has a gym on site so parents can workout while their kids practice!! 💪 It’s. The. Best,” one wrote, with another jotting, “I go to every practice, but I’ll get my miles in around the park and only watch the last 15 minutes or so! It’s the perfect balance!”
Also in the podcast episode, Wambach shared her rules on parents talking on the sidelines during a game.
“Positive cheering only and no instruction,” she said, adding comments like, “Good job, way to go” and “keep going” are great to say.
She also suggested parents ask their kids questions after the game that have nothing to do with the outcome, especially after a loss.
She noted it’s nice to “overemphasize the acts of leadership” like if they helped a teammate or coach during the game.
