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8 An American Hockey Parent Handbook What to Expect as a Hockey Parent Your child's hockey experience will be influenced by many factors, but nothing will influence that experience more than you. As a parent, you are the most influential figure in your child's development, both as a hockey player and as a person. Embrace that opportunity. + Let kids be kids. Fun should be paramount. + Be supportive. + Be disciplined. Manage your emotions and set a good example that teaches your child to do the same. + Be positive, and when adversity comes, be constructive not destructive. If you must be critical, don't get personal. Direct your comments at the action, not the person. + Be proactive. Getting involved as a volunteer or coach in your association can help you have an even greater influence on your child's hockey experience. And as a parent, being a proactive communicator with coaches and hockey administrators can help avoid frustration and conflict. + Your child's coach is likely a volunteer, and often also a parent, donating their time to help your child. While criticism might be appropriate, it should be done constructively and through appropriate channels. + Be respectful, especially in situations of disagreement or conflict. + Don't bully or harass. Speak out if you see bullying or harassing behavior from others. + Focus on the process, not the outcome, and teach your child to do the same. + Kids learn best by doing. + Praise your child's effort and resolve more often than their performance. Studies show that this helps them better develop the confidence to meet new challenges and overcome obstacles. + Keep hockey in perspective. Maintain a healthy balance of hockey and non-hockey activities. Encourage your child to be well-rounded. + Enjoy the youth hockey experience with your child. Life moves fast and time passes quickly. Soon your child will be grown and you'll wish you could return to these days, if just for a moment. So savor these seasons, don't rush them. Make the experience one that you'll remember fondly together years from now. The youth hockey environment should be open and transparent. As a parent, you have the right to be involved and aware. Please don't hesitate to ask questions like these: + What role can I play in my child's hockey development? What roles are available to me within the association? + How will the coaches and administrators communicate with me? + What educational resources are available to parents, prospective coaches and/or volunteers? + What financial resources and options are available to help me provide the hockey experience for my child? + When should I speak out about questionable behavior exhibited by a player, coach, parent, administrator or anyone else in my child's hockey environment? To whom should I report that behavior? What is the process for reporting that behavior? + How can I help my child be safe on and off the ice? REMEMBER: For more information, visit USAHockeyParents.com