Over the years I have found something to be true of all great teachers (a teacher is anyone that teaches--> parents, coaches, pastors, professors, etc.).
The best teachers rarely, if ever, talk during the test.
If you spend enough quality time and attention teaching during "practice"--> i.e. at home, in the classroom, in the weight room, on the practice field...then when it comes time to take the test (game day, exam day, test week, peer pressure and temptations to make bad decisions, etc.) we should not have to yell, constantly correct, track our kids phones, or scream out "tips and suggestions" to the child while they should be focusing on the "game".
I hope this email helps rather than hurts. I can understand where it is hard to hold back your emotions as a parent or coach when you are "in the moment". However, focus on being the best "teacher" you can during "practice". Spend more time teaching. Read books on youth psychology, communication, how to be a better coach, how to understand teens, etc.
The best teachers rarely, if ever, talk during the test.
Talking during the test does far more bad than good. It is distracting and in my opinion it is disrespectful. Be the best teacher you can possibly be during practice, and then sit back and watch the child display excellence during game-day.
If they mess up or do something wrong, they almost always know it. And 99/100, they know exactly how to fix it. If they see their teacher poised and controlled, they get this sense of calmness and an enhanced self-confidence and belief.
Wouldn't you love your "student" to say these words...
"My teacher (coach, mom, dad, professor) saw that I messed up or did something wrong, but they know I am prepared to handle it. They taught me everything I need to know, and they trust me and believe in me enough to correct the mistake on my own."
This is the parent, the coach, the teacher, that we have longed for all of our lives.
Go become that "coach" today.
Dedicated to our youth's success,
Andrew
