Children learn behavior from many different people in their lives — coaches, teachers, family, peers — but the people they learn the most from are their parents and/or guardians. That’s why it’s critical that you be a good sportsmanship role model for your skater.

Being a good sport is much easier said than done — just look at some of the examples we see from professional and collegiate coaches and athletes. You must maintain a cool head and healthy attitude if you expect your skater to do the same.

Here are some ways to model appropriate attitudes and behaviors:

• Be positive about your child’s skating.
• Understand your child’s expectations.
• Help your child set realistic goals.
• Be realistic about your child’s ability.
• Don’t compare your child to another skater.
• Trust your coach — and let your coach do the coaching.
• Use honest and open communication with your coach.
• Control your emotions in frustrating situations.
• Keep negative thoughts to yourself.
• Do not gossip with or about other parents, coaches or skaters.
• Volunteer and assist at your rink facility or club.
• Don’t make skating everything in your skater’s life.
• Keep winning in perspective.
• Help your skater focus on skating well and having fun.
• Discipline when necessary.
• Don’t meddle from the sidelines.
• Respect and accept judges’ decisions.
• Encourage all skaters and congratulate other skaters when they win.