The Parents' Role

Wrestling can be relatively demanding, not only for the wrestler, but also for the parent. Wrestling clubs typically hold practice sessions two, and sometimes three times per week, in the evening, after the high school practice is over.

Many folkstyle open tournaments are held on Sundays, which may conflict with other family plans, but at a minimum require a good deal of preparation, driving and patience.

Some tournaments are a good distance from home, and usually require an early start.

There are other responsibilities as well, ranging from fund raising activities to helping with tournaments or participating in other club activities.

The parent's role, however, extends beyond such tasks. Matches and practice sessions offer new and unique learning opportunities for young athletes. Involved parents spot these opportunities and make the most of them.

Most importantly, kids need support and encouragement. They need to be able to stake claim to something positive about themselves that they can build from in developing self-confidence. Parents can facilitate this process by identifying and reinforcing strengths while helping their child to see past their weaknesses.

Your positive reinforcement as a perceptive and caring parent can be the single most significant influence in your child's athletic development and personal growth. A famous Lao-tsu quote sums it up like this... "To see things in the seed, that is Genius."