UNDERSTANDING THE CHILD’S MINDSET AND EMOTIONAL LANDSCAPE

Children between 7 and 13 are navigating a transformative period in their emotional and cognitive development. At this age, they are highly impressionable, sensitive to praise and criticism, and still developing the ability to regulate their emotions effectively. Children’s self-esteem is often tied closely to what adults—especially their parents—think of them, making it crucial for parents to create a psychologically safe environment. Key Insight A psychologically safe environment means a space where making mistakes is acceptable, trying hard is applauded, and setbacks are viewed as learning opportunities rather than failures. Practical Tip Encourage open conversations about feelings before and after training sessions or competitions. Ask your child how they felt about a particular race or skill practice, listen without judgment, and help them articulate their emotions