What to say after a game at 5–7
Just feed them. The post-game window at this age is short, simple, and mostly about juice boxes.
What they're feeling
- · Hungry.
- · Hot or cold.
- · Looking around for the friend who they want to play with after.
- · Vaguely aware of whether they had fun.
- · Not at all aware of the score.
What to say (pick one)
- "I had fun watching you out there."
- "What sounded better, pizza or McDonald's?"
- "Nice job, buddy."
Then stop talking.
What not to say
- "What happened in the second inning?"
- "Why didn't you go for that ball?"
- "Coach should have..."
- "Their team had a kid that was huge."
The rule
Don't review tape with a six-year-old. They're not playing tape. They were running around with their friends. Match that energy.
If they bring it up
- · If they say they had fun, the response is 'me too.'
- · If they say they didn't have fun, ask what about. Listen. Don't fix it.
- · If they bring up the score, the answer is 'yeah, sometimes that's how it goes' or 'yeah, that was fun.' Either is fine. Don't dwell.
Pin this
After a game at 5–7
- · Food first. Conversation second. Probably no conversation.
- · If they ask about a moment, be brief and warm.
- · Don't bring up the game on the way home. Let them lead.
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