As a parent, watching your child play lacrosse can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Seeing their hard work, growth, and joy on the field is a privilege—but it’s also an opportunity to ensure their experience with the sport remains positive, fulfilling, and stress-free.

Research shows that 70% of kids quit playing organized sports by the age of 13, often due to burnout, pressure, or a loss of enjoyment. As parents, we can make a tremendous difference in how our children perceive their sports experience. Here’s how to encourage their growth, provide support, and help them foster a lifelong love for lacrosse.

1. Lead with Love and Encouragement

The simplest, yet most impactful thing you can say to your child after a game is, “I love to watch you play.”

Why is this so powerful?

• It shows unconditional support, regardless of whether they won, lost, scored a goal, or made a mistake.
• It keeps the focus on the joy of playing, rather than performance or outcomes.
• It reassures them that their effort and presence are valued above all else.

Avoid the temptation to immediately analyze the game or offer critiques. Instead, let your child take the lead in sharing their thoughts and feelings about their performance. This keeps the conversation light and enjoyable, fostering a positive association with the sport.

2. Keep the Fun Front and Center

Lacrosse, like any youth sport, should be fun. When the emphasis shifts from enjoyment to pressure, kids often lose interest. Encourage your child to:

• Try new skills: Celebrate their attempts to learn and grow, even if they’re not perfect at first.
• Make friends: Team sports are about connection—help them see lacrosse as an opportunity to bond with teammates.
• Celebrate small wins: Whether it’s improving their passing accuracy or simply having a good practice, acknowledge their progress.

By focusing on the fun aspects of the game, you can help them look forward to practices, games, and everything in between.

3. Balance Schedules and Commitments

Youth sports can be demanding, but maintaining balance is crucial for your child’s well-being:

• Limit overscheduling: Avoid signing them up for too many activities at once, as this can lead to stress and exhaustion.
• Prioritize rest: Ensure your child has downtime to relax and recharge outside of sports and school.
• Keep school a priority: Work with your child to create a schedule that allows time for homework and studying without sacrificing their lacrosse commitments.

Teaching time management skills early can help your child juggle responsibilities while enjoying their time on the field.

4. Be Their Cheerleader, Not Their Coach

While it’s natural to want to help your child improve, leave the coaching to their actual coach. Your role is to:

• Provide encouragement: Cheer from the sidelines and celebrate their effort, no matter the outcome.
• Respect the coach: Trust the team’s coaching staff to guide your child’s development and avoid contradicting their instructions.
• Be a supportive listener: When your child needs to vent about a tough game or challenging practice, be there to listen without jumping to solutions.

Creating a supportive and nonjudgmental environment allows your child to feel safe expressing themselves.

5. Focus on Long-Term Growth

Lacrosse offers valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the field. Help your child see the bigger picture by emphasizing:

• Character development: Talk about how teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship are more important than goals or wins.
• Healthy habits: Encourage practices that support long-term health, like proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep.
• Resilience: Teach your child to embrace challenges and learn from setbacks, turning them into opportunities for growth.

By focusing on these broader lessons, you help your child develop skills they’ll carry with them into adulthood.

6. Build a Lifelong Love for the Game

Your ultimate goal as a parent is to help your child fall in love with lacrosse—not to push them toward achievements or scholarships. Whether they play for a few seasons or for life, the experiences and memories they create are what matter most.

How to nurture their passion:

• Take them to local lacrosse games or tournaments to see older players in action.
• Play catch with them in the backyard or join them in practicing their skills for fun.
• Encourage them to explore different roles, like goalie, defender, or attack, to keep things fresh and exciting.

When your child feels your support and enthusiasm, they’re more likely to develop a lasting connection to the sport.

The Gift of Lacrosse

Lacrosse is a gift that teaches kids about teamwork, resilience, and joy. As parents, we have the power to make their journey even more meaningful by focusing on love, encouragement, and balance.

So the next time you pick up your young player after a game or practice, remember to simply say, “I love to watch you play.” That one sentence can make all the difference.

Ready to join us for an incredible season of lacrosse? Register for the spring season today and give your child the chance to grow both on and off the field.