Are you one of those parents that
frown in disgust at some of the behavior of other parents at children’s
sporting events? Or perhaps you’re the one losing your cool, and you can’t help
but to start yelling and protesting at some of the things that occur on the
court or on the field. It can be frustrating at times when you disagree with a
coach’s decision. It can be just as frustrating to sit there, trying to enjoy
the game and support your child while the guy down in front is screaming his
head off. Why is it so easy for some parents to lose their cool, and how does
this affect the kids?
First, we have to step back and remember that
technology plays a part in this. Modern TV and internet take us right there on
the field, where we can feel the tension, experience the excitement, and truly
embrace every nuance of the game. It’s much easier to get more emotionally
involved when you can hear the players breathing and cuss words as a
controversial play gets reviewed.
It’s one thing to get so emotionally involved in
a pro-sport game, but adults tend to translate that kind of behavior to a
children’s sporting event. Nowadays, it has simply become acceptable to air our
frustrations and let it all out in public without considering the effects on
others. In this “Facebook generation,” nothing is sacred or private anymore –
it’s all out there for anyone to see. This might be considered common practice
by some, but it’s still not appropriate.
Getting angry, cussing, yelling and throwing
things at the TV screen during an NFL game is one thing. Conducting that kind
of behavior at your child’s football came is another thing altogether. Parents
must realize that children, even teens
are extremely sensitive and take everything to heart. While a father might not
give any thought to the angry, loud string of cuss words that he threw out
during a bad play, that child might relive it over and over in his mind with
embarrassment, shame and the feeling of unworthiness. These are critical times
in a child’s life where positive support and encouragement is crucial. You
aren’t betting anything on your child’s game. Remember, it’s just a game. His
career isn’t at stake, nor is he making millions of dollars on contract. No
national championship will be lost due to a child’s error or fumble.
Remember too, that other parents around you are
trying to enjoy the game. It’s not fair that their experiences are tainted by
the one guy shouting at the coach or players throughout each play. If this is
you, please stop to consider your actions. If you’re getting overheated about
something, walk away and go sit in the car for a few minutes. If this isn’t you
but you’re affected by a parent who acts this way, band together with a group
of other parents and have an intervention. Get the coach involved, and discuss
how it’s important to provide positive encouragement and support to those kids.
You want your child to love the game he’s playing, and enjoy sports so that he
will continue throughout his school years. If a parent’s behavior makes them
feel uncomfortable, chances are he won’t stick with it.
For the last three or four years
now I have offered to “help” with my son’s baseball team as a coach. I have
seen some of these kinds of parents display awful behavior. When I took my son
to sign up this year one of the officers from the league asked if I would be
interested in managing a team, I was very hesitant to accept and if my son was
not with me I would have found some way to avoid taking on the responsibilities
of this task offered. I wanted to have the experience of coaching my son and I
have the experience needed to do the job but what happens when I have to deal
with some of these parents first hand? I am not the kind of person to hold my tongue?
This season so far has been a
wonderful experience, I have twelve wonderful kids that are growing into better
ball players each day and I have enjoyed sharing the game I love with them.
They are learning the great game of baseball and learning what it is and how it
feels to be a part of something while competing. I also have inherited a great group of parents
that have cheered on our team and supported what I am doing without issue.
Overall it’s been a tame first half of the season and the teams and their
parents have been considerate of each other and of the kid’s efforts. I am
enjoying the experience and I am very glad I accepted the job. Here is to a
great second half of the season.
First, we have to step back and remember that technology plays a part in this. Modern TV and internet take us right there on the field, where we can feel the tension, experience the excitement, and truly embrace every nuance of the game. It’s much easier to get more emotionally involved when you can hear the players breathing and cuss words as a controversial play gets reviewed.
It’s one thing to get so emotionally involved in a pro-sport game, but adults tend to translate that kind of behavior to a children’s sporting event. Nowadays, it has simply become acceptable to air our frustrations and let it all out in public without considering the effects on others. In this “Facebook generation,” nothing is sacred or private anymore – it’s all out there for anyone to see. This might be considered common practice by some, but it’s still not appropriate.
Getting angry, cussing, yelling and throwing things at the TV screen during an NFL game is one thing. Conducting that kind of behavior at your child’s football came is another thing altogether. Parents must realize that children, even teens are extremely sensitive and take everything to heart. While a father might not give any thought to the angry, loud string of cuss words that he threw out during a bad play, that child might relive it over and over in his mind with embarrassment, shame and the feeling of unworthiness. These are critical times in a child’s life where positive support and encouragement is crucial. You aren’t betting anything on your child’s game. Remember, it’s just a game. His career isn’t at stake, nor is he making millions of dollars on contract. No national championship will be lost due to a child’s error or fumble.
Remember too, that other parents around you are trying to enjoy the game. It’s not fair that their experiences are tainted by the one guy shouting at the coach or players throughout each play. If this is you, please stop to consider your actions. If you’re getting overheated about something, walk away and go sit in the car for a few minutes. If this isn’t you but you’re affected by a parent who acts this way, band together with a group of other parents and have an intervention. Get the coach involved, and discuss how it’s important to provide positive encouragement and support to those kids. You want your child to love the game he’s playing, and enjoy sports so that he will continue throughout his school years. If a parent’s behavior makes them feel uncomfortable, chances are he won’t stick with it.
