We all understand the benefits of sport participation both from a physical and mental wellbeing perspective.

This presentation focuses on the significant role that parental behaviour plays during youth sports and its direct impact on children's mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. It examines the phenomenon of “Ugly Parent Syndrome,” where aggressive or inappropriate actions from parents at sporting events negatively affect the psychological state of young athletes. Drawing from research, including the “Monkey See, Monkey Do” study published by the University of South Australia in 2024, we explore how children's behaviour often mirrors the attitudes and actions they observe in their parents, reinforcing the crucial need for positive parental role models.

Studies consistently show that positive parental behaviour can create a nurturing sports environment, enhancing the benefits of physical activity for children. Sports participation is widely recognised as beneficial not only for children's physical health—helping them maintain a healthy weight and lower their risk of chronic illnesses—but also for their mental health, with lower rates of anxiety and depression, increased self-esteem, and improved social skills.

Three Takeaway Messages:

1. Positive Parental Behaviour: How parents conduct themselves on the sidelines can impact children’s self-esteem and development.
2. Benefits of Participation: Engaging in sports offers numerous physical and mental health benefits for children, from improving fitness and reducing the risk of chronic illnesses to fostering social skills and reducing anxiety.
3. Participation, Effort, and Encouragement Over Winning: What matters most is children’s participation and effort. Positive reinforcement from parents, regardless of the game’s outcome, builds confidence and resilience, helping children develop lifelong skills. Winning is secondary to the valuable lessons learned through effort and encouragement.

These insights will provide parents, coaches, and educators with the tools needed to nurture young athletes, ensuring their mental and emotional health thrives in supportive environments.