The Impact of Parental Involvement on their Child’s Participation in Organized Sports

Abstract

As youth sports have become a foundation to developing skills and traits for young athletes, parents also play a crucial role in the development and wellbeing of the child. Analysis of previous research on parental involvement in youth sports shows both positive and negative factors relating to the child’s experience and health. Research shows that parents that are negatively involved in their child’s athletics can create stressful environments as well as decrease the child’s confidence and self-esteem. Positive involvement, however, can create a strong bond between the parent and child and increase confidence and self-esteem. Finding the proper balance of involvement can allow the child to flourish and enjoy their sport as much as possible. The purpose of this synthesis project is to review the impact of parental involvement on their child’s participation in organized sport.