It is important to understand that when I say coach young children, I am really saying "play" with young children, when talking of kids under the age of seven. Parents may think they are coaching and that is fine, but just playing sports with kids that young is the key. Of course, some kids really take to a sport and may be ready to practice some coaching suggestions and that is great, but attempting to coach kids at too young an age is not necessary.

Having said that, there are many things parents can do to help young children to be prepared for organized sports. Even before parents begin to play with young children in sports, it is important that they develop their kids' interest in sports. This can be done in many ways including attending games, watching sports on TV, parents playing sports themselves and talking sports at home. These suggestions show enthusiasm for sports, which is a necessary ingredient for how to coach young children. When kids see an adult's enthusiasm for something, they recognize that something as being a little more important and special. Often, enthusiasm becomes contagious and kids will play and want to be around the sport more. To maintain this enthusiasm, it is important that parents play the desired sport with young players whenever their kids want and for as long as the children want. Adults should try not to be the one to end the play session, when possible.

Once interest is developed, it is important that parents try to show kids the correct ways of performing the basics. Kids at this age will learn from what they see much more than any explanation of what to do. Parents, who can perform the correct fundamentals when playing with their kids, are giving their kids a better chance of early sport development with these correct displays. This is also an added bonus of attending games and watching sports on TV, of course.

Next and of utmost importance, dealing with kids requires patience. Coaching young children in sports requires even greater patience. Perfecting sport's skill takes years and years, so adults having patience is the number one ingredient necessary when coaching young children. Most young children have very short attention spans and, understandably, little understanding of the fundamentals and strategy of sport. Adults, especially parents who do not have a lot of patience, should leave coaching young children to others. This may be easier said than done, but necessary, if parents truly want their kids to enjoy their sports experience.

Patience when playing with kids is best displayed by using an unemotional and understanding voice. Talking in this manner is a necessary positive parenting characteristic that is easier said than done and may require practice on the part of parents. Equally important is that parents understand that negative gestures, those showing displeasure with a child's actions, are just as damaging to a child's self-esteem as negative words.

Following are a few other suggestions that will help coach young children in sports:

1. Always think of safety. Many young children lose interest because of pain caused by physical injury while playing. Using the safest equipment with young children is worth it and will not inhibit players' development.

2. Learn how to make playing the most fun to avoid boredom from setting in. Parents can consult established coaches, look on line, read books, watch instructional videos and attend coaching clinics for some fun ideas.

3. If parents feel the need to give some basic skill advice, keep it simple and short. Do not overwhelm kids with too much and too often instruction.

4. Do not over challenge kids before they have a chance to build confidence but some basic competition is OK.

5. As mentioned, variety of play can be good to maintain activity and fun but parents should stay away from any tedious or strenuous drills for kids under age seven.

Finally, all kids are different so parents and coaches should use good judgment with each child. What may work for playing with one child may not for another, but keeping it fun for every child should be the number one priority for how to coach young children in sports.