Tips on Keeping Your Teenage Daughter In Sport - A Mom’s Perspective on How to Give Support
As any parent of a teenage daughter can tell you, it can be a challenge to keep her interested and engaged in sports. While some girls may have a natural affinity for competition and physical activity, others may not be as motivated. Keri Gaffney details how there are many ways to provide support and encouragement to help your daughter stay in the game.
We train together
Tip #1: Finding something you can do together that you both enjoy.
Asha started training in our local Karate club at the age of 6 and not long after, I decided rather than standing and watching, to jump in head first and give it a go too, so that’s where it all began for us. Fast forward about 8 years and a nose surgery later.. yes I walked into a punch, I have hung up my suit, but we have not stopped training together. There was something to be taken from this experience, a valuable connection that was an important factor for us both, so even though I retired from the tatami and Asha continues to develop in her sport, we took our training together somewhere else, out of the dojo and into the gym, my home ground, as this is where my profession lives as a movement coach. I am so lucky to be now part of her team of coaches that are supporting her development.
We travel together
Tip #2: Be there when they need you most.
Asha’s sport requires her to compete at international level in order for her to develop. This requires huge commitment as an athlete and as a parent. This is not a holiday, but do allow sometime for fun!! Be there 100% - this is when they need you most. Unfortunately in Ireland we don’t have the same benefits as other countries when it comes to travelling as an athlete. This is where our role becomes extra important. We need to make sure nutrition, sleep, stress and so much more is managed. This is a massive ask and is often tricky navigating. This also requires huge financial support, but the growth that comes out of these trips is so rewarding. Giving your child these opportunities is something that they will keep with them for life. I have heard so many reminiscing about their experiences later in life and how it has helped them develop into strong and confident young adults.
We talk together and we create space for each other
Tip #3: Be honest, be open, create an environment for healthy communication and let them be part of any decision making.
This can be tricky when they are little ones, but once they become teenagers it becomes easier to involve them in making decisions. Bringing in a sports psychologist can be super helpful too.
Sport is full of complicated situations and it sometimes requires making difficult decisions. For us we have always discussed things together and ultimately made decisions together.
Find your Tribe
Tip #4: Ask for help when you need it. Creating a network of like minded individuals is super important as we all need support.
We have developed a great support team around us - we have our tribe and we have one another.
Myself and Asha are incredibly lucky to have developed such an amazing relationship, one where we support each other in so many ways. She inspires me and keeps me wanting to continue to grow as a mother and as a coach. I am so grateful for being part of her team and I am so incredibly proud of her.
Like with most things in life, supporting your child in sport takes huge commitment, it has its up and downs but at the end of the day me and Asha are a team, we support each other.
Article courtesy of
Keri Gaffney - @simplymovementireland
