Encyclopedia of Sports Parenting

Dan Doyle has written an amazing sports bible for everyone from the parents of youngsters approaching sports for the first time, to the parents of talented Division I prospects. Along the way meticulously researched advice and factual examples abound for everyone. As a teacher I loved the clear instructions and the ethics espoused for parents,coaches, and children alike. As a parent I only wish that I could have gotten his invaluable advice twenty years earlier when my children first went through all the issues he expands upon from good/bad coaches to parental input to sportsmanship to balancing numerous sports to, in our case, college advice for the Division III student-athlete and parent. Kudos to Dan Doyle and to this great book- a must read!

Whether you're a student athlete, the parent of an athlete, a sports fan, a fitness-conscious individual, a guidance counselor, a coach, or an armchair athelete, The Encyclopedia of Sports Parenting teems with information for all levels and interests of sports. With great insight and near-reverence for the power of sport not only to change lives, but even more importantly, to change the world, Dan Doyle treats readers to an insider's view of the world of sports, a world to which he's devoted his life. In conducting the research, Doyle plumbed the minds and expertise of hundreds of renowned and respected coaches as well as student athtletes for information about the college recruiting process, the pros and cons of playing Division I or Division III sports, how and when to talk to your child's coach, sports cmap, and so much more. Open to any page and you will be rewarded with advice, statistics, web information, and a host of resources for athletes playing at all levels in this essential sports guide for parents. The Encyclopedia of Sports Parenting makes you feel as if you have your own personal sports consultant at your disposal, 24-7, at a fraction of a sports consultant's fee. Don't miss out. Lynn Hoffman Mother of a High School 2-Sport Varsity Athlete, Guidance Counselor

Although the title might suggest that this is book is written solely for parents who love sports, that's far from the truth. This is a really good book for parents who are crazy about sports, but also for those who don't know a basketball from a soccer ball. The book covers all of the basics of being a "sports parent," like how to sign your child up for little league and what type of summer camp to enroll them in. For those parents whose kids get more serious, there's plenty of information and advice on navigating high school sports, college scholarships, etc. But most of all, this is a book about parenting. There's a lot of helpful advice on using a kid's sporting experience to teach him or her about hard work, about success and failure, and about competing hard while still treating people fairly. The book is both a practical how-to guide, but also a rich trove of common sense wisdom on raising good kids.

Child Athletes need a brand of special care to be the best they can be - and "The Encyclopedia of Sports Parenting" is here to help parents do the best that they can for their young athletes so they get the most they can out of their hobbies. Covering youth sports of all ages - from little league baseball to college football, nothing is left uncovered. Providing advice on encouraging ones children, and giving them the little extra special things they need in their adolescence to do well in youth sports, "The Encyclopedia of Sports Parenting" is essential for any parent of a potential sports mega star.