By Asia Mape - click here for the article
How To Stop Negative Self-Talk. As sports parents, most of us have heard our children get down on themselves after a game. “I suck,” they’d murmur walking out of the gym, or “I should just quit.” This is what we refer to as negative self-talk – the critical and often harsh inner dialogue that children, just like adults, have with themselves, when they’re under stress or facing challenges. It’s widespread in competitive environments like sports, where performance is frequently scrutinized.
But what exactly is self-talk? Simply put, it’s our ongoing internal dialogue with ourselves. This constant stream of thoughts and beliefs shapes our perceptions, behaviors, and emotions.
Negative self-talk can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
It starts as an inconspicuous whisper in their heads, but if left unchecked, it grows louder and more persuasive. Subtly, it alters their perception of themselves. Gradually, they start to believe their thoughts, thinking they are not good enough. This negative self-image permeates their confidence. As their self-esteem diminishes, their performance on the sports field inevitably suffers.
They begin to play poorly, not because they lack the skill, but because their minds are clouded with doubt and fear, creating their own false reality. And this can happen all within one game!
And if they stay in a constant state of self-criticism, it can lead to decreased motivation, lower self-esteem, and an overall diminished enjoyment of the sport. In the long run, it can discourage children from participating in sports or other competitive activities.
So why do kids engage in negative self-talk?
According to research, it is a common coping mechanism for dealing with difficult situations or challenges. When faced with a stressful or unfamiliar situation, the brain’s natural response is to protect itself by engaging in negative self-talk. In sports, this can happen when a child feels pressure to perform well or faces criticism from coaches or peers.
Parenting styles also influence the prevalence and severity of negative self-talk in children. Research suggests that authoritarian parenting, characterized by high expectations and low warmth, can lead children to develop overly critical self-perceptions. They may internalize the pressure to perform and perfectionism, leading to negative self-talk when they fail to meet these high standards. On the contrary, a more balanced authoritative parenting style, combining high expectations with support and encouragement, can foster positive self-perceptions in children. It can help them view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than personal failures, curbing the tendency for negative self-talk.
Here are some ways we can help them overcome this destructive habit:
Be a positive role model: Children learn by example, so make sure you model positive self-talk in your own life. Avoid negative self-talk in front of your child, and instead, focus on using encouraging and uplifting language.
Validate their feelings: When your child expresses negative self-talk, don’t dismiss it or tell them they are wrong. Instead, listen to their concerns and talk about it. Give them perspective and help them balance their emotions about it. This will help them feel understood and supported.
Reframe the situation: Help your child see things more positively by reframing the situation. For example, if they say, “I’m not good at this,” you can respond with, “You may not be perfect right now, but with practice and effort, you will improve.”
Set realistic expectations: Often, negative self-talk is fueled by unrealistic expectations. As parents, we must communicate realistic goals and expectations with our children. This will help them avoid feeling overwhelmed and defeated.
Encourage a growth mindset: Teach your child to embrace a growth mindset, where they view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. This can help shift their focus from perfection to progress.
Praise effort over outcome: Instead of focusing on the result, praise your child’s effort and hard work. This will reinforce the idea that their worth is not tied to their performance but to their determination and effort.
Seek professional help: If your child’s negative self-talk seems severe or persistent, seeking guidance from a mental health professional may be helpful. They can provide strategies and support for helping your child develop a more positive mindset.