Coaching your own child can be difficult. Many parent-coaches are either too tough on their own kids or not tough at all. You want your children to feel as if they are being treated the same as their teammates, no more and no less.

Here are some suggestions that could help you if you are involved in this unique coaching situation:

• Have your child refer to you as "coach" in team settings. This tells the team that when you and your child are at the ball field, your child is just another member of the team.
• Make sure your child becomes fundamentally sound in all areas of the game. Spotlighting your own child in a single priority position is counterproductive both to them and the team as a whole. Train your child -- and the rest of the team -- to play more than one position. They should have a general understanding of all positions, especially in youth settings.
• Ensure that your child is experiencing the same level of character development as the rest of his/her teammates. The game of baseball will provide many teachable moments. Use these opportunities as their coach to teach sportsmanship, teamwork, work ethic and integrity, among other character traits.
• Make sure that your child knows that he or she is your son or daughter first and foremost and an athlete second. When managed correctly, the common bond of baseball strengthens many life-long relationships between parent-coaches and their children.

Lastly, it is important to keep in mind that one day, you will no longer be their coach, but you will always be your child's parent.

This article was provided through PCA’s partnership with USA Baseball. For more information about keeping perspective in youth sports and other valuable tips, please visit USA Baseball’s Amateur Resource Center.