My son is in his 2nd year of 8u. He started when he was 5 and won his first two tourn. of the year. I was as proud as a dad could be. Then it all went down hill from there.

We go to Hutch. 1st match of the day, and my son is crying before he even steps on the mat. He hasn't shed a tear all year. I'm freaked out. Mad, Sad, Frustrated, Confused...etc.

To make a long story short. We continued to practice but only went to one more tournament....just to make sure this wasn't a dream. He again started crying. What was so frustrating is he would be winning and crying at the same time. I didn't understand. Anyway, we finished the year in the practice room.

Then comes the next year. I was scared to even ask him if he wanted to go out for wrestling. I asked and he said he didn't know. I made him a deal. If he would just go to practice we wouldn't go to any tournaments. That's what we did.

His 1st year of 8u we only went to 4 or 5 tournaments.

I would suggest talking to your son, and wife. Maybe he was just having a bad day. If he continues, I would consider slowing down.

Continue reinforcing the fact that you love him, and that you are proud of him whether he wins or loses.