It looks like Mentalni Trening would be ideal for your child, but when you suggested it, your child reacted reluctantly?
Trust us, your child is not the only one. When someone is mischievous and causes problems at school, they are immediately sent to a psychologist. Psychologist sounds strict, dangerous, and children have the impression that you only go there when you have problems.
Therefore, before you suggest to your child that they go to Mental Training with licensed sports psychologists, it would be a good idea to prepare them and present the whole process in a positive light. We bring you a few tips on how to do that.
Sports role models
Children (as well as adults) learn through so-called observational learning. In other words, children learn by observing, mimicking, and imitating. Show your child famous and successful athletes who have openly talked about working on their mental preparation with a sports psychologist. The internet is an endless source of interesting videos and interview clips where sports stars like Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, and Kobe Bryant talk about their difficulties during sports competitions and how much psychologists helped them. If a psychologist is needed by the great Usain Bolt or the famous Serena Williams, maybe your child will also see how much Mental Training can help them. Also, show your child our social media so they can see which athletes come to us. Children love good models (role models) and love to imitate them.
Be a good role model
Furthermore, following up on the topic, show your child that you also need support sometimes and that going to a psychologist is nothing to be ashamed of. That is, let them know that not only ‘crazy’ people go to a psychologist, but everyone who wants to improve their performance quality and quality of life.
Moreover, present mental training as an opportunity to improve performance, not as a way to solve problems. Emphasize to the child that everything is fine with them, that they are not ‘abnormal’, but that Mental Training is just another method of sports preparation, just like conditioning and technical-tactical training. Mental Training can help your child progress and is not reserved only for problem-solving.
Talk to your child about what is bothering them regarding mental training
Children often have a false perception that they are to blame and are incompetent if they need a sports psychologist. They worry whether their teammates will mock them, how the coach will react, and if it means they are weak. Talk to your child and find out what exactly is bothering them. When you know exactly what the problem is, it is easier to approach it and find a solution. Often, children’s fears are unfounded, which means you can prove otherwise.
Bring your child to our free info meeting
Children very often need an adjustment period. For this very reason, we offer a free 15-minute info meeting in our office or online. At the info meeting, we get to know each other, briefly explain how mental training works, and describe how we work. Children relax, realize we aren’t doing anything scary, and want to start Mental Training!