Supporting Your Teen Athlete: The Do’s and Don’ts of Cheering From the Sidelines 

Written by the CultivatTeen Roots team 

5 minute read

At CultivaTeen Roots, we pride ourselves on being your biggest cheerleaders—encouraging you through parenting wins and supporting you through the challenges of raising teenagers. Parenting a teen athlete offers its own set of highs and hurdles. Watching your child pour their heart into their sport can be deeply rewarding. The lessons of teamwork, discipline, and resilience they learn on the field often transcend athletics.

But being their #1 fan isn’t always straightforward. How do you navigate frustrations like limited playing time, a tough coach, or the heartbreak of a hard loss? Your role is to strike the right balance between support and giving them space to grow as both athletes and individuals.

In our Making AdoleSense course, we introduce the concept of “Manager vs. Consultant.” Parents need to wear different hats at different times—sometimes taking charge (Manager), and other times stepping back and offering guidance (Consultant). When it comes to sports, playing the Consultant is often the most empowering approach.

To help you navigate the sidelines effectively, here are practical dos and don’ts for supporting your teen athlete.

The Do’s: How to Support Your Teen Athlete

1. Cheer Them On (Respectfully)

Applaud your teen’s effort, teamwork, and resilience—not just their victories. Positive encouragement builds their confidence and helps them associate sports with joy and personal growth.

• Tip: Cheer for the entire team to create an uplifting atmosphere.

2. Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Results

Winning is exciting, but growth happens in the journey. Highlight their effort, improvement, and sportsmanship.

• Say this:
• “I’m so proud of the hard work you’ve put into improving your skills.”
• “You’re an amazing teammate; I can tell your friends appreciate your support.”

3. Be a Source of Comfort After Tough Games

Losses and mistakes are inevitable. Give your teen space to process their feelings without judgment.

• Try this phrase:
• “It’s okay to feel disappointed—it shows how much you care. Remember, one game doesn’t define all your hard work.”

4. Stay Involved Without Overstepping

Attend their games when you can and ask open-ended questions like, “What was your favorite part of today’s practice?” to show interest without adding pressure.

5. Encourage Balance

Help your teen prioritize their well-being by balancing sports with school, friendships, and rest. Burnout is a real concern for youth athletes, with studies linking over-scheduling to increased stress and injury risk (National Alliance for Youth Sports).

The Don’ts: Common Sideline Missteps to Avoid

1. Don’t Coach From the Sidelines

Your teen already has a coach. Yelling instructions can confuse them and undermine the coach’s authority. Focus on being their biggest fan, not a second coach.

2. Don’t Critique Their Performance

Avoid dissecting mistakes after games. Teens are often their harshest critics. Instead, let them initiate conversations about their performance.

• Say this instead:
• “Great effort out there! I loved watching you play.”

3. Don’t Compare Them to Others

Comparing your teen to teammates or opponents can erode their confidence. Celebrate their unique journey and progress.

4. Don’t Overemphasize Winning

Placing too much importance on winning adds unnecessary pressure. Reinforce that sports are about teamwork, growth, and having fun—not just trophies.

5. Don’t Push Your Own Sports Dreams

Support your teen in pursuing their passions, even if they differ from what you envisioned. Their athletic journey should be about their interests, not yours.

6. Don’t Forget About Fun

Over-scheduling or year-round sports can turn a passion into a chore. Make sure your teen has downtime to enjoy other activities and simply be a kid.

Modeling Good Sportsmanship

Your behavior on the sidelines sets the tone. Teens are always watching, so model respect for referees, coaches, and players—even in heated moments. Research from the Positive Coaching Alliance highlights how parental behavior directly influences a teen’s attitude toward sports and competition.

When Things Get Tough

If your teen faces challenges like injuries, team conflicts, or waning motivation, approach them with empathy. Let them know it’s okay to adjust their goals or take a break. Encouraging open communication fosters trust and shows them you’re a safe sounding board.

Final Thoughts: Be Their Rock

Parenting a teen athlete is about balance. Cheer them on, encourage their growth, and let them take ownership of their athletic journey. When you focus on connection and support, you help your teen cultivate a lifelong love for sports that extends far beyond wins and losses.

Remember: Your teen thrives most when they know you’re proud of them—no matter the score.

References: 

National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) www.nays.org

Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) www.positivecoach.org