Parents play a major role in promoting girls’ initial and continued participation and skill development in sport. While some parents take a natural liking to sport, understand the benefits it has for their daughter, and function as active providers for their daughter’s experiences in sports, others lack that initial interest. Research shows that paternal influence was reported as being the biggest influence in girl’s entry into sports so there is no denying that parents have the power to make a difference to women and girls in sport!
Research has further examined that mothers and fathers have different activity-related parenting strategies that both influence female participation in sport. Mothers report significantly higher levels of logistic support than fathers, whereas fathers reported higher levels of explicit modeling than mothers. In other words, girls may show their initial interest in sports because of their father’s enjoyment and frequency of physical activity, while mothers take on the support role such as enrolling their daughters in sports, driving to and from events, and overall encouragement. Although these findings are generic, there is no denying that parent involvement is critical for girls and sport.
HOW INVOLVED SHOULD A PARENT BE?
Parents’ involvement in sports can be looked at in a wide range. There is the “drop-off and run parent” to the “super involved parent”. Having too little involvement or too much can have devastating effects on your child’s engagement.
THE POSTITIVELY INVOLVED PARENT:
- Being present at important times.
- Being present in new environments where the daughter may experience levels of nerves or anxiety e.g. a clinic or private lesson with a new coach.
- Reinforcing the terms and teaching of their coach.
THE NEGATIVELY INVOLVED PARENT:
- Does not show up to any practice or competition.
- Pressuring their child to win or perform up to the parent’s high expectations.
- Trying to coach the child without understanding the coach’s relationship and progress with the players.
- Choosing what the daughter does and does not participate in.
COACHES IMPACT ON PARENTAL SUPPORT:
Here are some ways coaches and leaders can help facilitate parent’s support:
- Providing ample opportunities for parents to get involved and tutorials/guidance on ways they can help with their daughters to practice outside of practices and matches.
- Developing programs and sponsorships to ensure girls access to equipment and opportunities to play.
- Educating parent about the value of sports for their daughters to find ways to actively demonstrate this importance/value to their daughters.
- Encouraging parents to serve as role models and educational resources, including a particular focus on helping mothers and other important women in girls lives develop active roles in their daughter sports development.
- Getting to know the players parents and building a shared goal of surrounding girls with supportive relationship of engaging in sport.
- Developing strategies to highlight and reinforce positive ways in which parents support their daughters sport participation.
- Helping parent work with their daughters to set competitive, yet achievable sport-specific goals.
This page was written in courtesy Department of Sports Management Undergrad
Berthold, Jaime L., “Parental Role in Encouraging Sport Participation in Females” (2012). Sport Management Undergraduate.
HOW PARENTS CAN POSITIVELY SUPPORT THEIR DAUGHTERS
- Encourage Effort Over Results
Focusing on effort, improvement, and personal growth rather than wins or rankings helps young athletes develop a positive mindset. Praise their hard work, dedication, and perseverance, reinforcing that success isn’t just about trophies but about learning and progress. - Create a Positive and Supportive Atmosphere
Being present at matches, celebrating achievements (big or small), and showing enthusiasm for their journey—regardless of results—boosts confidence and motivation. A simple “I love watching you play” can mean the world to a young athlete. - Allow Coaches to Lead
Trusting coaches and avoiding over-involvement in technical feedback ensures that a player receives consistent instruction without conflicting messages. Parents should focus on emotional and logistical support rather than critiquing their child’s performance. - Encourage a Balanced Approach to Sport
Supporting a well-rounded life that includes school, social activities, and rest prevents burnout and keeps sports enjoyable. Encouraging young athletes to play for the love of the game rather than obligation fosters long-term participation.
BEHAVIORS THAT CAN ADD PRESSURE OR TAKE AWAY FUN
- Focusing Too Much on Winning
When the emphasis is only on victories, young female athletes may feel an overwhelming fear of failure, making them play cautiously rather than enjoying the game. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and a loss of passion for the sport. - Criticizing Performance Instead of Encouraging Growth
Constantly pointing out mistakes or dwelling on what went wrong can damage confidence. Instead, constructive feedback should be left to the coaches, while parents focus on being a source of encouragement and reassurance. - Comparing to Other Players
Comparing a daughter’s progress to teammates or opponents can create unnecessary pressure and self-doubt. Every athlete develops at their own pace, and fostering self-improvement rather than competition with others leads to a healthier mindset. - Forcing Commitment Without Considering Enjoyment
If a player is struggling or losing interest, forcing them to continue without understanding their feelings can lead to resentment. Encouraging open conversations about their goals and enjoyment ensures they stay engaged for the right reasons.
CONCLUSION
Parents have the power to either enhance or hinder their daughter’s sporting experience. By offering positive support, emphasizing effort over results, and fostering a love for the game, they can help their daughters grow as confident, motivated, and happy athletes. Creating a pressure-free environment where their child feels valued, encouraged, and in control of their own journey is the best way to ensure long-term enjoyment and success in squash and beyond.
