The Dangers of Winning at All Costs for Youth Athletes
By Tess M. Kilwein PhD, ABPP, CMPC••Psychology Today
Youth athletes can be competitive and still enjoy sport. Parents and coaches have a responsibility to make sure winning never matters more than joy, connection, and well-being.
For young athletes, sport should be fun first. Importantly, this does not mean that sport cannot also be competitive. And it certainly does not mean kids should not work hard, care deeply, or want t…