Why Setbacks are a Learning Opportunity in Children’s Sport

80’s/90’s – break every bone in your body…Mum says you still have to go to school tomorrow

2023 – It’s raining…you’re staying inside until the summer!

We could honestly write a book based on some of the things we’ve heard over the years.

We probably will and it’ll be hilarious.

Did you know we were once apparently responsible for a child turning grey because we trained outside in the cold

That was a genuine email from a few years ago.

Thing is, it’s getting worse.

We can’t (and shouldn’t) protect our children from every little bump, scrape, break or any sort of minor discomfort like playing outside in any weather.

Exposing them to contact sports, climbing, all types of weather conditions etc helps take them out of their comfort zone – that’s where they need to be to grow as people.

Injuries happen in sport, they happen at school and they happen in the park.

They are part of life as a kid and they help us deal with being out of our comfort zones as adults.

Getting back up teaches them a lot of things and builds their resilience.

Next time your child hurts themselves whether it be at their sport, school or wherever; use it as a learning opportunity.

Not an opportunity to add another layer of cotton wool around them.