The influence exerted by parents on the psychological development of children in youth sports programs is examined, and the risks and benefits attendent on youth participation in sports is discussed. Parents are considered as role models for their children, and the attitudes and self-concepts a young child acquires through his or her early athletic experiences is established as the perspective most likely to remain dominant throughout the child's lifetime. Parents are counseled to be sensitive to the social as well as the athletic aspects of children's athletics, and to concentrate on establishing positive reinforcement patterns. (LH)