This article was originally posted on Momaha on July 29th, 2015.

Life is full of ups and downs, and youth sports are no exception. If your son or daughter participates in athletics, they will inevitably face losses, disappointments, and challenges. Engaging in sports provides young people with a unique opportunity to learn how to navigate these difficult moments in a supportive environment.

Successfully overcoming obstacles is one of the most essential life skills that adults can impart to children. Coaches and parents must recognize that there will be peaks and valleys in their child's sports journey. The valleys, in particular, present invaluable teaching moments that can last a lifetime.

• Avoid Negative and Physical Displays: One of the most crucial aspects of facing adversity is maintaining control over one’s behavior. Before games, emphasize to players that they cannot control the officials, fans, or opponents. There will be calls that go against your team and behaviors from fans that may frustrate them. Discuss appropriate reactions to these situations, encouraging players to remain calm, avoid negative gestures, and stay focused on their performance.
• Learn from the Situation: Encourage athletes to reflect on their experiences, both positive and negative. Help them identify what they can learn from losses or setbacks, fostering a growth mindset that emphasizes improvement and resilience.
• Work Harder: In addition to what they say and do in reacting to adversity, there are two more things kids can control: preparation and efforts. Some young people are locked into results and get discouraged easily when they don't hit the mark. Every athlete and every team loses at some point. If your child is upset about their performance or the team's results, talk to them about their preparation and effort. If they are preparing as well as possible and giving their best effort in practices and games, then they are controlling what they can. This is all coaches and parents can expect from them. If they are not maximizing their effort, then work harder!

It’s important that parents use athletics as a teaching platform for handling disappointment and overcoming adversity. In youth sports, players use this skill by avoiding negative outward displays, learning from the situation and working harder.

Without this skill, youngsters can get lost and spiral into a cycle of disappointment, setback and failure. Learning how to conquer life’s frustrations and challenges enables young people to accomplish great things – even when they face obstacles.