Well Im not saying that the way I handle it is right and other peoples way is wrong. Kids are different and so are parents. But this is the way I have always felt about it. I don't need you when everything is going great. But I sure do when its not. When my son has a great game or just a good game I tell him he played great and I am proud of his effort and to keep working. When he has a bad game either an error or 0-4 I handle it like this. I give him his space after the game and let him sort things out in his head. Then when I get the chance I tell him "Hey did you play as hard as you could"? "OK then you will be allright son". "Baseball is a game of highs and lows". "How you handle the lows will determine how many highs you have". "Your a heck of a player never doubt that for one minute". "Go back out there tomorrow and work your butt off and keep believeing in yourself because I always will". "Your only as good as your next at bat and you will be fine". Then I take him somewhere to eat because that always makes him feel better.
A close friend of mine and true "baseball guy" has a great favorite saying:
Q: What's the most important play in baseball?
A: The next play.
I always thought it summed up the mentality of a successful baseball player very well ...
Q: What's the most important play in baseball?
A: The next play.
I always thought it summed up the mentality of a successful baseball player very well ...
The key here is to go back to the original idea "What do you say?" Again, I think you allow the young man to say what HE wants to say, not cram your ideas down his throat. A good parent or coach can get a message across AND help the kid have more success in the future if they approach this situation with the mindset that THEIR career is over...the player is the one most impacted by this. If parents are truly worried about their kid, and not living their dream THROUGH their kid, I think they'll normally make the right decision and approach this situation the correct way.
I guess I am a little different then most of you. I hug my son(s) all the time. Heck, I will even embarrass them with a kiss on the cheek in front of everyone (talking about mental toughness) at times. I don't care...I love them and I show it..especially after a tough game. Of course, that might be why he runs from me after those games 
But, we discuss his games, too, when he is ready and they are always a learning experience....for both of us.
But, we discuss his games, too, when he is ready and they are always a learning experience....for both of us.
THATS FINE,IT LETS THEM KNOW YOU LOVE THEM AND CARE I DID THE SAME THING,