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TAKE 5 with USA Hockey’s Anne Schleper

By USAHockey.com, 09/15/14, 3:30PM MDT

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When watching your child play sports, it’s natural to get excited. But it’s also important to make sure you always act as a Positive Sport Parent – on game day and beyond.

Being a Positive Sport Parent means not only keeping your emotions in check on game day, but also always remaining supportive and respectful of your youth athlete – as well as all the other kids and coaches involved in the competition. It’s also vital to remember that as a parent, you have the power to help shape your youth athlete’s attitude about sports.

Liberty Mutual Insurance Play Positive sat down with USA Hockey standout Anne Schleper to get her thoughts on what it means to be a Positive Sport Parent.

In our exclusive TAKE 5 interview, Anne told us that growing up, her parents “attended every single game” she ever played in.

“They always made sure at least one of them was there, or traveled with me to tournaments,” recalled Anne. “I can’t even recall one game where they didn’t at least make a period, and I am very grateful for their support.”

Even more importantly, Anne said that her parents always behaved as Positive Sport Parents while attending her games.

“My parents always cheered positively, and if it wasn’t positive, they knew better to keep it to themselves,” said Anne.

Anne added that her parents were also always supportive – without ever being overbearing or applying too much pressure. These are also qualities of Positive Sport Parents.

“I remember my parents always sent me off to games saying, ‘Skate hard, have fun!’” said Anne. “After the games, not much was ever said besides a ‘great game,’ accompanied by a hug. Without saying much, they said a lot.”

Anne told us that she believes Positive Sport Parents can make a big difference in the sport of hockey today, just as her parents did with her when she was an impressionable youth athlete.

“Parents can have a positive influence if they allow their child to develop on their own,” explained Anne. “Parents need to keep things enjoyable for it to be a successful environment for the players and coaches. If parents encourage being a good teammate before anything else, I firmly believe kids will be more successful.”

Just as Anne believes there are things Positive Sport Parents should do, she also feels there are certain activities and actions they should strive to avoid at all times.

“Sports can become more difficult for kids when parents overdo it and try to live their dream vicariously through their child,” said Anne. “Not forcing dreams, goals and playing time on them (is important).”

To read the full TAKE 5 interview with Anne, visit PlayPositive.com. And come back next month for another exclusive TAKE 5 interview!

At Liberty Mutual Insurance, we constantly look for ways to celebrate the countless acts of positivity shown by people every day. We created Play Positive, powered by Positive Coaching Alliance, as part of this belief to help ensure that our kids experience the best that sports have to offer in environments that promote and display positivity. We believe kids can learn valuable life lessons when coaches and parents come together to support winning on and off the ice.

©2014 Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and Positive Coaching Alliance. All rights reserved. This material may not be distributed without express written permission. Any reproduction in whole or part by and individuals or organizations will be held liable for copyright infringement to the full extent of the law.

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