Stop Joysticking Your Kid’s Game

Do you know those ‘Joystick Parents’? You might be one of them but don’t realize it.

I was for a short stint. But, then I stopped after I realized how damaging it is.

As with video games, joystick parents want to dictate and control every aspect of the children’s lives. Hence the term ‘joystick’. However, there is very little joy to be had by children when they are parented in this manner.

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Joystick%20Parenting

In terms of soccer parenting, joysticking is when you yell from the sidelines and tell your kid what to do. For example, you’re constantly yelling, “pass the ball”, “shoot, shoot, shoot” or “get back!”

Every game has at least one or two of these parents. Sometimes it’s contagious and we’ll see an entire group yelling.

Worst yet, it’s in a U-10 game!

Parents, let’s just be better!

Let the kids play how they are coached.

Let them play with their instincts.

Let them focus on the field.

This is my plea to you…stop joysticking your kid.

They will develop their game faster if you let them make their own mistakes.

They have a different perspective than you. Things on the field move much faster.

Plus, YOU will enjoy the game more. Sit back and enjoy how youth sports is supposed to be.