Raising Olympians: Be Careful in Trying to Raise an Olympic Level Athlete At A Young Age

There is quite a big chance that a lot of parents out there are watching the Olympics Games and thinking about getting their young child into sport. Exercise and sport is great for any growing child, but just like everything else, it should be done in moderation. The constant hours of training and the pressure to produce results can have a huge mental effect on a child.

Sarah Dimerman, an author and psychologist, points out a number of important aspects to consider when trying raising an elite athlete. However, before weighing in on either side, Dimerman urges the parents to see whether or not their child shares the same fire or passion for the sport as they do. This is because even though a child is naturally gifted, it may have negative effects on them if they continue to do something that they are not passionate about, says a report on International Radio Canada.

The next step is to listen. The parents must talk to coaches to have a believable second opinion about their child's skill level. If the coach believes that there is potential, then that is all for the better. Otherwise, the parents may have to rethink their plans of raising a future Olympian. Parents must also remember that these are their children that they are putting through rigorous hours of training, so if they see any negative effects, they should consider postponing training for some time.

It is important for any young athlete to develop what is known as "mental toughness." According to an article on Psychology Today, parents must always remember that sports should be fun for their kids. It should not be something they despise. They must also remember that winning trophies and medals is far from easy, so they must manage their expectations accordingly. They must also expect that their child will encounter failures along the way, but it will all be worth it if they succeed in the end.