Watching your child participate in sports can be an exciting and rewarding experience. As parents, we play such a huge role in impacting our children's development, as an athlete and most importantly as a person. As Christians, we also have the opportunity to approach our children's hockey journeys with a unique perspective, one that emphasizes values rooted in faith.

Here's some important ways you can help your kids both on and off the ice:

1. Teach and Model Sportsmanship: Emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness, respect, and fairness. Teach your child the value of good sportsmanship both on and off the ice. Emphasize the significance of teamwork, integrity, and playing by the rules. Encourage them to be gracious in victory and humble in defeat, reminding them that their behavior is a reflection of their character and their faith. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." - Philippians 2:3-4
2. Foster a Healthy Perspective: Hockey can be a competitive and demanding sport, often with high expectations and pressures. Help your child maintain a healthy perspective by reminding them that their worth and identity are not solely defined by their performance on the ice. Encourage them to embrace the joy of the game, to appreciate the opportunities it presents, and to grow through both successes and challenges. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4
3. Emphasize Character Development: Beyond athletic skills, prioritize the development of your child's character. Teach them values such as perseverance, discipline, and resilience and help them understand the importance of using their talents and abilities to serve others, glorify God and make a positive impact both within their team and in the broader community. "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." - Proverbs 22:6

4. Instill Faith and Prayer: Encourage them to rely on their faith, to seek strength and wisdom through prayer, and to trust in God's plan for their lives. Remind them that their identity as a child of God is not dependent on their performance or achievements but on their relationship with their Christ. "So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith." - Galatians 3:26 

Being a good hockey parent goes beyond wins and losses. With a healthy perspective, you can help shape your child's hockey experience in a way that nurtures their faith and character. Ultimately, your role as a parent is to provide guidance, love, and encouragement, while helping your child develop a strong foundation in faith that will extend far beyond the confines of the rink.