Encourage your child, regardless of his or her degree of success or level of skill.  

Ensure a balance in your student athlete's life, encouraging participation in multiple sports and activities while placing academics first.

Emphasize enjoyment, development of skills and team play as the cornerstones of your child's early sports experiences while reserving serious competition for the varsity level.

Leave coaching to coaches and avoid placing too much pressure on your youngster about positions, playing time and performance.

Be realistic about your child's future in sports, recognizing that only a select few earn a college scholarship, compete in the Olympics or sign a professional contract.

Be there when your child looks to the sidelines for a positive role model.