3 Ways to Inspire Your Athlete to Be Their Best #JustAKidFrom @powerade @walmart #SPONSORED

***Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/POWERADE.. As always, all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***

Now that winter has finally made its final departure here in NE Ohio, (knock on wood) my little athletes are gearing up for outdoor play, sports, and just being active. 

My high school Sophomore, Kyle, loves playing baseball and volleyball. He isn't on a formal team, but he hopes to change that this upcoming year. He's got a killer spike, so he'd definitely be an asset to the team! 

Sophie and Xander are a bit younger, but they're all-star athletes, too, in their own right. They love incorporating sports into their play time, and are honing their skills by playing things like dodge-tag, practicing archery, and of course, shooting hoops. 

As a mom and former basketball player, I know how important it is for young athletes to have a solid support system at home. Sure, they have their teammates and coach, but let's face it: It's the MOMS that carry the team. We coordinate busy schedules, we clean the uniforms, we remember the POWERADE, and we're constant cheerleaders and motivators. Yep. Moms are pretty essential to the well-being of the team! 

Here are 3 tips to help support the athletes in your life:

1. Let Your Athlete Lead the Way 
Every athlete is different, and every athlete has different passions and talents. While my teen wouldn't be the best football player, he truly shines in the sand, hitting a volleyball. Instead of pushing your athlete into trying your sport of choice, allow them to take the lead and follow their own passions. Some athletes may have limited interest in sports, and others may want to try them all. No matter what, be sure to support your athlete's choices so they have their moment to shine and be at their best! 

2.Teach Your Athlete Core Values
One of the most important parts of being an athlete is being part of a team. Learning how to work together is key. Sometimes, it's easy for athletes to become discouraged, particularly after a loss. Teach your athletes to take disappointment as an opportunity to grow, and cheer them on as they try harder. Motivation is so important, as is confidence. These values start in the home, and extend onto the field. 

3. Make Sure Your Athlete Stays Hydrated
Staying properly hydrated is super-important for athletes of all ages and abilities. POWERADE's  ION4® Advanced Electrolyte System helps replenish four electrolytes lost in sweat: sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. POWERADE is formulated with a 6% carbohydrate solution to help provide energy to working muscles, and vitamins B3, B6 and B12.

POWERADE comes in great tasting flavors and has been helping keep athletes hydrated for decades.  POWERADE ZEROTM features the same hydration benefits of classic POWERADE but with ZERO calories.
          POWERADE flavors:

• • Lemon Lime
  • Grape
  • Orange
  • Fruit Punch
  • Mountain Berry Blast®
  
  
  • POWERADE Zero flavors:
  • Mixed Berry
  • Grape Zero

There is potential in all of us.  No matter what you achieve in life, you start in the same place as everyone else:  as a kid full of potential and big dreams.  At the end of the day, we are all “just a kid” from somewhere.  

POWERADE believes that with the right motivation these everyday athletes can realize their potential and one day be the athletes that they look up to. Sports have a major impact on our communities. Whether it is t-ball or the pros, every athlete in every league has a story waiting to be told.

Represent your somewhere with custom "Just a Kid" apparel that features where you're from here.

​All net proceeds from the sale of "Just a Kid" apparel goes to the Boys & Girls Club of America.

POWERADE is available for everyday low prices and in multipack assortment of sizes at Walmart and Walmart.com.

Walmart/POWERADE Offer - Free “Just a Kid” Sports Bottle:
When shoppers purchase two 8-packs of 20 oz POWERADE at Walmart, they’ll be able to go online, submit their receipt, and order a free custom “Just a Kid” reusable sports bottle.

Go to http://www.us.powerade.com/walmart/#pov2 to learn more.  The offer is good until April 4, 2016 or while supplies last.