When a child enters the world of sports, it opens up not only a space for physical development but, above all, a classroom for life. Every drill, every win or loss, every compliment or reprimand is recorded in their inner experience. Sports training is not just physical activity; it is a process of growing up, shaped by the triangle of relationships between the child, the coach, and the parent. This triangle is emotional, delicate, and crucial. It is within this triangle that the most important things happen for the child: learning values, experiencing success and failure, and—most importantly—developing self-esteem and identity.

The role of parents in their child’s sports development. Could it be that their support may sometimes hinder child’s sporting journey? How can we lead it in a positive way? Emotions will be present whether we like it or not. Is it a responsibility of a coach to recognize, define and lead these emotions so they assist rather than burden the training process? Parents play a crucial role from the very beginning when the child first starts gaining motor skills, and even more so when the child begins training under professional guidance at a club. The article also concerns conscious efforts made by parents, and this efforts are where we, as coaches, have the most influence. We have to guide parents and make it easier for them to monitor and encourage their child in sports, while at the same time making work easier for ourselves.