Keep it fun
The first and most important thing is to make activity fun all the time.
Support them
Your role is to be your child's biggest fan not their coach. We know it's difficult not to correct obvious errors but this is where the parent/coach boundaries can become blurred.
Play together
Play games where children need to perform a skill in order to do something else. In other words, there's a purpose to the game. For example;
1. Play a 'Cricket' type game where the child hits/kicks/throws a ball and runs around something (eg tree/post) and back again before you get the ball back to the starting point.
2. Kick/throw a ball into a goal, two markers on the ground will do, and then race each other to get the ball.
In this way the focus is more on playing for fun than the skill, even though the skill is being developed.
Question not command
If you do want to try to correct and improve technique, use questions rather than commands.
For example, to develop throwing ask, "Is it easier if you put your (left) foot forward?" Or to help with hitting, "Do you think it will help if you start with the bat pointing backwards?".
Side on
Focus on the really big points of technique not minor details. Body position is all important and if you can encourage your child to use a side on stance for throwing, hitting and kicking you will make an enormous difference to your child's confidence in approaching activities that require these skills.
Enjoy the ride
Why not go out for a run with your child riding his/her bike next to you? Plan a good off road route in parkland or on a trail and enjoy the mutual support in enjoying healthy exercise. Kids on bikes make excellent water carriers for thirsty adult runners!
Join in
Don't forget that lots of fun can be had just playing together and sometimes the best thing you can do is smile.
Let us know
We're always happy to hear from parents. If you have queries or want to share an idea that works for you or recommend a toy or piece of equipment please email us or use our contact page.