For a young athlete—often labeled a “talent”—the primary emotional level (usually the family, i.e. the parents) is an inseparable part of performance. Parents can be the first guide, first supporter, first person responsible and, above all, the first fully emotionally connected link. An element not to be underestimated.
1. Parental influence — but on what?
Parents' beliefs and behaviors directly or indirectly influence:
- Investment/commitment
- Confidence and perceived competence
- Anxiety (somatic, cognitive)
- Affective reactions
- Value placed on the task
The type of investment (presence, encouragement or directives) particularly influences pre-competition anxiety. Often, the more parents perceive the child as competent, the more the child will perceive themselves as competent.
2. Anxiety: a key issue
Anxiety is a “negative emotional state accompanied by nervousness, worry and apprehension.” It combines:
- Cognitive dimensions (pessimistic thoughts, negative self-evaluations)
- Somatic dimensions (pain, sweating, increased heart rate...)
3. What types of parental behaviors?
The “parental climate” shows up through different behaviors:
- 🟠 Directive : Telling the child what to do during the match → Can limit autonomy
- 🟢 Active involvement : Helping concretely (scorekeeping, etc.)
- 🟢 Encouragement/understanding : Validating the young athlete's emotions
- 🔴 Pressure : Emphasizing victory → Increases anxiety
Studies show that directive behaviors and pressure increase anxiety, while encouragement reduces it.
4. Practical exercise: analysis of an illustration
With illustrator Frédéric Lepage, let's analyze a drawing showing a young footballer joyful after scoring a goal:
- What would you feel if you were in the child's place?
- What emotions would you experience as a parent?
- How would you communicate those emotions?
- And in the event of a poor performance?
This reflection aims to raise awareness of our emotional reactions as parents of young athletes.
5. Conclusion: managing your emotions as a parent
Optimal parental support requires:
- Awareness of one's influence (both positive and negative)
- A balance between support and autonomy
- Healthy management of emotions (both yours and your child's)
Supporting well also means being willing to question yourself.