I have had the privilege of holding prominent positions in two international sporting bodies. I have managed and coached numerous professional and junior athletes from various sports, providing me with extensive experience.
Today, I would like to guide aspiring coaches and parents of young cyclists on how they can help their children become successful cyclists. While we cannot guarantee success in sports or life, we can provide the tools, opportunities, and support needed to give them the best chance of achieving their goals.
Coaching the world’s best junior cyclists requires a combination of technical expertise, motivational skills, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges young athletes face.
In this article, I will share some valuable tips and strategies to help you become the best sports parent you can be.
We will discuss:
- Dos and Don’ts of being a sports parent
- Setting goals and communicating effectively with your child
- Simple yet effective ways to improve your parenting skills and
- Tips to build positive relationships with other sports parents.
4 Things Every Cycling Parent Should Do
Let’s take a look at the DOs that every parent of a high-performance junior athlete should be “DOING”.
1. Choice
As a parent, if you want your child to enjoy cycling and perform well at it, you need to make sure they have plenty of options and opportunities to ride. Remember that your child may not be as passionate about cycling as you were in your youth, so don’t push them too hard.
Luckily in my case, my daughter absolutely loves everything about cycling.
There will be times when they may not feel like riding, though, and that’s perfectly normal. Just be supportive and understanding, and don’t worry too much about their motivation levels fluctuating.
2. Respect
Respect is a vital element in any relationship, and cycling can be a great way to teach kids this valuable lesson. As a parent, you should be mindful of your actions and behavior around coaches and other parents since your kids are always watching and learning from you.
It’s essential to lead by example at races and events and demonstrate the right attitude, especially when your child faces difficult challenges while competing.
3. Let Them Make Mistakes
We all make mistakes, no matter how old we are. But the truth is that making mistakes can help us learn and grow.
You’ve probably heard the saying “learn from your mistakes“ before, and it’s popular for a reason! When your child makes a mistake or suffers a loss at a race, it’s important to talk to them about what they learned from it and how it made them feel.
You can also share a story about a mistake you made when you raced and how you overcame it. This can show your child that everyone makes mistakes and that they’re not alone. By talking about mistakes positively, you can help your junior cyclist learn and grow from them.
4. Show An Interest
As a parent, taking an interest in your child’s cycling is crucial. It’s a powerful way to show them that you care.
It’s important to support and understand your child’s unique abilities and talents without comparing them to other cyclists. Keep in mind that your child is still learning, making mistakes, and going through the ups and downs that come with cycling.
Celebrate every achievement and setback with them. It shows that you’re there for them. And remember, these experiences will create lasting memories for you and your child.
4 Things Every Cycling Parent Should Never Do
Let’s take a look at the DONTs that every parent of an aspiring junior cyclist should be “AVOIDING”.
1. You Are Not Your Child
Have you ever seen parents who try to force their cycling interests and ambitions onto their children? It’s not a good idea. Just because you excelled in cycling or have a deep passion for it, that doesn’t mean your child has to be the same.
Unfortunately, many parents end up pressuring their children to follow in their footsteps, even if it’s not what the child really wants. As a cycling parent, it’s important to accept that your child might have their own passions and talents that are different from yours.
In fact, you should encourage your child to aim higher than you did and achieve more success in their own chosen path.
2. Don’t Play The Blame Game
As parents and coaches, we emphasize the importance of avoiding the “blame game” among our young athletes. Pointing fingers at external factors like bad weather or poor coaching strategies is not a productive or constructive approach.
Blaming others for unfavorable outcomes demonstrates a lack of both responsibility and accountability, two critical qualities that we strive to instill in our junior cyclists.
As parents and coaches, our goal is to shape junior cyclists who are not only skilled but also responsible, respectful, and accountable in every aspect of their lives. By cultivating these values on the bike, we hope to prepare them for success both on and off the road.
3. Lead But Don’t Push
Parents with a background in cycling often have high expectations for their children to excel in the sport. However, it’s important to understand that each child has physical and mental limits, and pushing them too hard can be harmful.
Overtraining can cause problems like:
- Poor sleep
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of motivation
- Exhaustion, and
- Moodiness in young cyclists.
As a parent, you need to recognize the different levels of talent and ability in your junior cyclist and help them set realistic goals. Remember, at the end of the day, your child’s well-being is more important than their cycling performance.
4. Dont Chase Perfection
Parents often want their children to be perfect cyclist. They may even feel that their own self-worth is connected to their child’s in the sport. But it’s important to understand that perfection is impossible, and the best thing you and your child can do is try your best. That’s as close to perfect as anyone can be!
The Last Lap
Help your young cyclist thrive by following these tips.
Not only will you be nurturing their potential, but you’ll also be building cherished memories and strengthening your bond with your child.
Remember, two wheels were made for having FUN.
Read next:
- Supplements in Cycling: What Works and What Doesn’t
- Easy Exercises To Improve Your Cycling Performance
- Five Pro Tips for Preventing Common Cycling Injuries
Brenton is an Australian with 20 years of experience working with professional athletes. These athletes have combined to win more than 15 international events. He holds a Degree in Sports Coaching and was the Head Advisor to the Japanese Government Sports Institute and was the former Manager & Head Coach to Australia’s Governing Sporting Body. Brenton currently consults with several professional athletes and clients from varying backgrounds and sports. Check out Brenton’s ride on STRAVA.
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