This summer’s headlines were so exciting: Sha’Carri Richardson is back in action! A’ja Wilson named tournament MVP! Tatyanna McFadden wins again! When the media shares stories of girls breaking records at the gym, in the pool and on the track, we get to see athletes display their skills, power, and endurance, their teamwork, focus, and sportsmanship. And girls everywhere get a glimpse of the winning mindset that makes competition — and victory — possible. 

Participating in sports is beneficial for girls in so many ways. It builds confidence, teaches teamwork, improves fitness, and highlights the importance of hard work and resilience. We see these benefits in real-time when we watch our favorite athletes from all around the world practice their serve, race across the court, leap above the beam, or ski down the slopes. 

But families don’t have to rely on TV or video to see a winning mindset in action. There are simple, impactful things you can do at home to encourage your child to think — and act — like a champion. And that’s why Rebel Girls has partnered with Nike to work with game-changing athletes and showcase some actions that can inspire your child to win in sports and in life. Following are a few things you can try today. 

Make sure your daughter sees herself represented in sports.

• Ask her about which sports capture her imagination.
• Read stories and watch videos of young athletes in those sports.
• Celebrate soccer player Giulia Gwinn’s powerful shots and Sifan Hassan’s marathon feats.
• Learn how sprinter Dina Asher-Smith battled injuries to break records on the track and how Bebe Vio defied the odds to become a world champion wheelchair fencer.

Together, you can learn a little bit about what it takes to succeed in gymnastics, basketball, or breakdancing — or whatever sport makes her want to get up and get moving. By exposing your child to women and girls at the top of their sports, you are reminding your little Rebel of the wide world of amazing possibilities — of what she can do if she commits to learning, training, and improving her skills.

Help her find fun new ways to move her body.

Running, jumping, dancing, bowling, stretching, dribbling a ball, shooting on a goal—the options are endless. Download the new book “HERE TO WIN.” to find stretches and exercises that encourage your child to move her body, explore her own sports style, and hone her champion mindset.

This book has something for everyone: exercises to improve stamina, balance, aim, flexibility, ball control, and more. The book also includes a yearlong planner, where she can write down her goals and keep track of her practices, games, and other activities.

Encourage goal-setting and positive self-talk — in sports and in life.

Talk to your daughter about what she wants to accomplish through the lens of the athlete mentality. Help her set clear, attainable goals. Then, discuss the steps you both need to take to get her there. Check in with her about her inner dialogue.

You want to make sure that a false start, a bad day, or a missed shot won’t shake her confidence. Have her practice speaking to herself kindly with positive pep talks. Remind her that if she falls, she can get up and try again. Most importantly, celebrate her commitment to training and support her dreams. Count each goal reached as a victory! 

Looking for even more ways to encourage your young athlete? Download our free new book, HERE TO WIN., today and share inspiring stories, thought-provoking prompts, and actionable advice with your Rebel Girl — because it’s never too late to encourage your child to challenge herself to win in sport and in life.