Why Yelling from the Sidelines Hurts More Than It Helps.

To the parents screaming at their kids on the sidelines, please stop.

Youth sports should be a positive experience for kids—an opportunity for them to learn new skills, develop teamwork, and most importantly, have fun! Unfortunately, a growing number of parents are turning these moments into high-pressure situations by yelling at their kids from the sidelines. This behavior, while often well-intentioned, can have a truly negative impact on young athletes, both emotionally and mentally.

Children want to make their parents proud. Their drive to compete often stems from a desire to receive encouragement and validation from those they love and respect most. However, when parents lose their composure during games, screaming instructions or criticizing mistakes, it creates an overwhelming pressure to perform perfectly, which as we know, is literally impossible. This pressure can be paralyzing. Instead of focusing on the game and enjoying their experience, kids become hyper-aware of their parents' reactions, leading to anxiety, embarrassment, and diminished self-confidence.

It’s important to remember that youth sports are meant to be developmental. Mistakes are inevitable and, in fact, essential for growth as an athlete and a person. Kids learn best when they feel safe to take risks and fail without fear of harsh criticism. Yelling from the sidelines compromises the natural learning process.

When kids hear constant instructions from multiple angles, it can be confusing and distracting, especially as they’re also trying to process guidance from their coaches. The mixed signals can hinder decision-making on the field, ultimately stunting their progress as athletes.

The focus of youth sports should be on growth, learning, and enjoyment—not perfection. Sports offer incredible life lessons: the value of perseverance, how to handle adversity, and the importance of teamwork. When parents turn into vocal critics rather than supportive figures, they risk robbing their children of these valuable experiences. Encouragement, not criticism, is what motivates young athletes to keep trying, practicing, and improving.

Parents should also consider the emotional toll their sideline behavior can take. Being publicly called out or scolded during a game can feel humiliating for a child, especially when friends, teammates, and other families are watching. These moments can stick with a child long after the game ends, creating a negative association with sports and reducing their willingness to participate in the future. Sports should be a source of joy and inspiration, not anxiety and dread.

Rather than shouting instructions mid-play, parents can have a far more positive influence by showing trust in their children. Trust them to apply what they’ve learned in practice. Trust them to make decisions on the field, even when they result in mistakes. Trust, after all, is a key part of building confidence.

After the game, regardless of the outcome, focus on encouragement: “I’m proud of how hard you tried,” or “You did a great job supporting your team.” These affirmations build resilience and foster a love for the game, which will serve children far beyond the playing field.

Lastly, leading by example is what our kids need to see. Parents should model the kind of sportsmanship they hope to see in their children. Applauding all players, respecting referees, and valuing effort over results all contribute to a healthier sports environment. When kids see positive behavior from their role models, they’re more likely to adopt the same mindset.

In the end, the goal of youth sports is not to produce professional athletes but to nurture personal growth and a lifelong love of physical activity. So, to the parents who find themselves raising their voices from the sidelines, please take a step back.

Cheer with positivity, encourage effort over outcome, and remind your children that you’re proud of them—win or lose. By doing so, you’ll help create an environment where young athletes can thrive, both on and off the field.