Coaching toddlers can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also come with its challenges. As a football coach, it’s important to know how to manage the behaviour of young children in a way that fosters growth, discipline, and fun. Christopher Greene’s book Toddler Taming offers valuable advice for handling toddler behaviour, and many of the principles can be applied in a sports setting. Here are five top tips for coaches looking at taming toddlers effectively while keeping the environment positive and supportive.
1. Set Clear Boundaries and Expectations
One of the key insights from Toddler Taming is the importance of setting clear boundaries and expectations. For toddlers, consistency is crucial. As a coach, it’s essential to explain the rules and expectations from the start of every session. Whether it’s no running off the field or waiting for their turn, make sure toddlers know what’s expected of them. Keep the rules simple, repeat them often, and enforce them consistently to ensure that your little players understand the structure.
2. Offer Praise for Good Behaviour
In Toddler Taming, Greene stresses the importance of positive reinforcement. Rewarding toddlers for good behaviour encourages them to repeat it. In a football class, praise can be a powerful tool. When a toddler listens well, shares with a teammate, or follows instructions, be sure to acknowledge and celebrate their behaviour. Positive reinforcement builds self-esteem and reinforces the desired actions. A “Great job!” or a high-five can go a long way in motivating them to stay engaged.
3. Keep Calm and Be Patient
Toddlers have a lot of energy and a short attention span, so it’s common for them to get distracted or restless. Toddler Taming highlights that patience is essential in these situations. As a coach, staying calm and composed—even when things don’t go as planned—helps set the tone for the group. If a toddler is acting out, take a deep breath and address the behaviour calmly. Your composed attitude will help your players feel safe and secure, and will also demonstrate the importance of staying calm under pressure.
4. Use Redirection Instead of Punishment
Greene advocates for redirecting toddlers when they engage in unwanted behaviours instead of immediately resorting to punishment. For example, if a toddler starts running off during a drill, redirect them by asking them to come back and participate in a different way. In football, you could suggest they take a break or try a different drill that catches their attention. Redirection helps toddlers understand acceptable behaviours without feeling punished or singled out.
5. Keep Sessions Short and Engaging
Finally, toddlers thrive in short bursts of activity. In Toddler Taming, Greene suggests that toddlers have limited attention spans, so keeping your football sessions dynamic and engaging is key. Mix up drills, incorporate games, and allow plenty of breaks. By keeping things varied and fun, you’ll maintain the toddlers' interest and ensure they stay focused. This not only helps with discipline but also encourages a positive attitude toward physical activity and teamwork.
Managing toddler behaviour as a football coach doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By applying the principles from Toddler Taming—setting clear boundaries, offering praise, staying patient, using redirection, and keeping sessions engaging—you’ll create a structured yet fun environment where toddlers can thrive. With these strategies, you’ll help young players develop their skills while fostering a sense of respect and discipline that will benefit them both on and off the field.
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