Let the Kids Take the Lead: A Friendly Reminder for Team Adults
Behind Every Great Robot Is an Adult Who Let the Kids Build It
Whether you’re a parent/guardian, coach, mentor, or robotics enthusiast, we know you’re here for the same reason we are: to see students succeed, grow, and have fun. Robotics competitions are student centered on purpose! One of the best ways adults can support that mission is by knowing when to step in—and when to step back.
We’ve seen firsthand what happens when students are in charge:
- The joy on their faces when they get to talk to other teams and strategize on their own
- The spark of pride when they make a match plan—and it works
- The quiet confidence that builds when they get to control the building, coding, and teamwork
- Their smiles when they realize “We did this ourselves!”
Those moments are what robotics is all about. Let’s work together to protect and promote them.
Here are some friendly reminders of what great adult support looks like throughout the season.
Let Them Build It
The robot might be slow, lopsided, or a little stubborn—but if the students built it, that’s a win. That’s the first step in the iterative design process. Adults are welcome to give advice or offer feedback, but only after students have taken the lead. Please resist the urge to jump in or take over the design, building, or programming—because the learning happens when they do it themselves.
Let Them Think It Through
When students hit an obstacle and start to feel frustrated, pause before stepping in. Instead, encourage them to brainstorm, troubleshoot, and work together. It might take a little longer, but they’ll gain confidence and resilience by finding solutions on their own.
Let Them Speak
Volunteer judges want to hear directly from students at events—not from the adults in the room. In fact, adult participation during interviews is against the rules. You can absolutely help students prepare ahead of time! Coaches, mentors, and parents can play an important role by helping students practice their presentation skills, organize their talking points, and build confidence before the event. Consider doing mock interviews, asking open-ended questions about the team’s design process, challenges, and collaboration. Encourage students to rotate speaking roles and make sure everyone has a chance to share. You can even visit our RECF Library to find helpful resources like Team Interview Tips and Sample Questions, and the Team Interview Judging Rubric to guide your preparation.
Once the interview starts, though, it’s their moment to lead the conversation. Step back and let their voices be the loudest in the room. By preparing and leading their own interview, students gain valuable experience in communication, teamwork, and self-advocacy—skills that will serve them far beyond the competition.
Let Them Lead
Whether it’s match strategy, alliance discussions, or figuring out what to try next, students should be the ones making the decisions. Your role? Be their biggest cheerleader—not the team manager. When students take the lead, they gain confidence, ownership, and valuable real-world skills. Through this process, they’ll learn how to problem-solve, think critically, communicate effectively, and—just like they’ll need to do in future classrooms, careers, and life.
Why Does This Matter?
Because our goal isn’t just to build robots and win—it’s to build confidence, ownership, and pride. This program gives students the space to stretch their skills, take charge of their ideas, and feel proud of what they accomplish. But that only happens when adults step back.
So, when in doubt? Cheer loudly, support from the sidelines, and let the kids take the lead.
Download our printable reminder:
Let the Kids Drive the Robot – PDF Flyer
Read our full behavior guidelines:
Important Behavior Guidelines for Team Adults – Knowledge Base
Need help navigating this balance? Reach out to your RECF Regional Support Manager. We’re here to help.