Feel like you’re being a little too overbearing, but you don’t know how else to motivate your child? Worried about usurping the coaches, but also scared that your child won’t listen to them without your input? Well, worry not- here are some tips about how to be a great tennis mom, without being overbearing or pushy.

Don’t Gossip!

Gossiping about the kids- or worse, the coaches- can be harmful to your team. Even worse, it can cause others to think poorly of you, and make you lose some dear friends. It spreads negativity, and if you’re constantly critiquing and gossiping about how the coach is playing, it can loosen the close bonds within a team.

Don’t Baby Your Kids

It’s simple- you love your kids, and you want them to do their best. You also want to make sure that they understand everything that’s going on- but they’ll understand what you’re saying them even if you’re not oversimplifying and overexplaining. Just be there for when they need help, and give it if they’re asking for it or if they’re having trouble. Standing over them too much, insisting to help where it really isn’t needed, can be just as harmful as gossip to a team.

Don’t Nag

You want your kids to do good- and you can’t tear them down while they’re trying. Nagging them, belittling their accomplishments, and constantly reminding them of their downfalls are a good way to completely destroy your child’s self-confidence, and cause them to lose even more games than they were before. Instead of nagging, try to encourage your child- focus on their accomplishments, and only talk about their faults and downfalls if they initiate the conversation. Oftentimes, if you have a good relationship with your child, they’ll come to you to talk about whatever they need. You’ve just got to wait for them.