Conversations With Kids: Encouraging Young Athletes to Try New Things

Improves

1. Curiosity

When children feel comfortable exploring and trying different approaches, they become more curious about learning.

Curiosity encourages experimentation, creativity and problem-solving all important ingredients for development in sport.

2. Confidence in Challenge

Trying something new always involves a little uncertainty.

When children feel supported while experimenting, they gradually develop confidence in their ability to handle unfamiliar situations.

Over time this builds resilience and mental toughness.

Further Directions for Parents

If your child seems hesitant about trying new things:

• Emphasise that mistakes are a normal part of learning
• Praise exploration and curiosity rather than just results
• Share examples of professional athletes experimenting with new skills
• Ask open questions such as “What might happen if you tried it that way?”

Children often become more open to experimentation when they know they won’t be judged for getting things wrong.

Your role is to create an environment where learning and making mistakes feel safe.

Ideas for Kids

Before your next training session, practice or competition:

• Try one new idea during the session
• Notice what happens when you experiment
• After training, ask yourself:

• What did I try today that was new?
• What did I learn from it?
• Would I try it again?
• What other things could I try?

Trying small experiments like this can help you become more creative and confident in your sport.

Helpful Resources

>> Listen:  Ep 310 of The Demystifying Mental Toughness Podcast – Risk Orientation: When Coaches and Athletes Think Differently

Some Final Thoughts for Parents

Children develop confidence not only by succeeding, but also by exploring, experimenting and learning from experience.

When a young athlete feels comfortable trying new things, they develop creativity, adaptability and problem-solving skills.

These qualities are incredibly valuable in sport.

They only grow in environments where children feel safe to experiment.  Is your child involved in this type of environment, it may be worth asking yourself?

By encouraging curiosity and supporting learning rather than perfection, you help your child develop a mindset that views challenges as opportunities rather than threats.

And over time, that mindset can support not only performance in sport, but confidence and resilience in life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Helping Kids Try New Things in Sport

How do you encourage kids to try new things in sport?

Encouraging children to try new things in sport begins with creating an environment where experimentation feels safe.  Young athletes are more likely to explore when parents and coaches emphasise effort, curiosity and learning rather than perfect results. Asking open questions such as “What might happen if you tried it this way?” or “What did you learn from that attempt?” helps children reflect on their experiences without feeling judged.  Small steps are important too. Encouraging children to try one new idea during training or competition can help them gradually build confidence in experimenting and adapting their approach.

Why is experimentation important for young athletes?

Experimentation helps young athletes develop important psychological and performance skills.  When children try different techniques, strategies or solutions, they develop creativity, adaptability and problem-solving abilities. These qualities allow athletes to adjust when situations change during games or competitions.  Experimentation also supports the Challenge pillar of Mental Toughness, as it encourages athletes to step into uncertainty and view new situations as opportunities to learn rather than threats to avoid.  Over time, this mindset helps young athletes become more confident learners.

How can parents help children build confidence through challenge?

Parents can help children build confidence through challenge by focusing on process rather than outcomes.  Instead of emphasising winning or results, parents can highlight effort, improvement and learning from mistakes. Questions such as “What did you learn today?” or “What might you try differently next time?” help children reflect constructively on their experiences.  It is also helpful for parents to normalise uncertainty. When children understand that trying new things often involves mistakes, they become more comfortable stepping outside their comfort zone.  Over time, these small experiences of overcoming challenge help build confidence, resilience and a stronger mindset in sport.