I just took a great online course from Positive Coaching Alliance (“PCA”) entitled, “Double-Goal Coach:  Coaching for Winning and Life Lessons”. One of the key takeaways was the ratio of praise to criticism that is required in order to keep a child’s emotional tank filled. For every one time we as parents criticize or comment on our child’s performance, we should provide praise for all of the good things on a 5:1 ratio. Five parts praise and one part criticism! I know there is nothing I enjoy more than watching my kids participate in a slew of different sports and activities. I must constantly remind myself to not be so critical of the “BAD PLAYS”. An easy way to do this is to keep a positive score card (whether on your phone or on an actual piece of paper) and keep track of all the great effort plays. If you plan on talking about something on the ride home, just review the score card together. The positive score card and the 5:1 praise to criticism ratio will keep you ahead of the curve when it comes to keeping your kids emotional tanks filled. 

Coach Lou

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