A Message from the Director of Activities
As both a parent and someone who works closely with students in sport each day, I often find myself reflecting on the role we play in shaping a child’s sporting experience.
I will be honest and say I have not always got this right. I can clearly recall car rides home after games where the feedback to my children focused too much on performance rather than effort or enjoyment. With time and perspective, I have come to realise that these moments matter just as much as what happens on the field.
A recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald provided a timely reminder. Olympic swimmer Libby Trickett (nee Lenton), who won Olympic gold medals in 2004, 2008 and 2012, shared three simple and powerful messages for parents that really resonated with me. Protect the joy of sport. Allow children to experience a range of activities. Be patient with their development.
The research supports this approach. A 2019 review of 22 studies on early specialisation found no evidence of benefit. Other studies have shown that children who play multiple sports during their early teenage years are more likely to succeed at higher levels than those who specialise early. A 2024 German study also found that only a small proportion of exceptional young athletes go on to be exceptional adults while many of the highest achieving adults were not standout performers as children.
At Westminster, this is exactly what we aim to provide. A broad, inclusive and values driven Co-curricular program where students can explore different activities, develop friendships, build resilience and grow in confidence.
As parents and educators we all want the best for our children. Sometimes the best thing we can do is take a step back, let them try many sports, celebrate their effort and simply enjoy the journey together.
Libby Trickett’s reflections from her Instagram post on parenting children in sport:
1. There are no elite 12 year olds. It is not a thing. Allow your children to play lots of sports without the pressure to specialise at a young age. I did not stop doing other sports until I had left high school when I specialised.
2. It is natural to want to share something that you love with your children, including a sport you may have played. But there is a difference between sharing that love and pushing them into something that you loved. Children often enjoy a wide range of activities, and this should be embraced.
3. We do not need to give our children advice or feedback unless they specifically ask for it. That is the role of the coach. Our role is to encourage, support, embrace and let them know how much we love watching them play.
To view Libby Trickett’s Instagram post, click here.
For the full Sydney Morning Herald Article, click here.