As the High School Boys and Girls basketball seasons are coming to a close, the more I’m beginning to see the tempers and behaviors of parents get hotter and uglier. Their desires for their kids to win it all are uncontrollable. Between screaming at their kids to play defense, shoot the ball, and grab rebounds, they're yelling at the referees either to make calls or telling them they're making bad calls. I can't help, but to chuckle at parents that are more emotionally and physically involved in the game than their own kids. I can only imagine the conversations that take place in private after the games between them and their kids after a win and especially after a loss.
If you're parent with a child playing sports or about to start playing sports, here are a few suggestions on how to make the experience an enjoyable one and not a traumatic one:
- Parents that put the team first tend to have well-rounded student-athletes that go on to have successful playing careers as well as careers after sports.
- Don’t put your undue expectations on your kids. They may not have the same desires or passions as you did or do for the sport.
- Teach your kid how to respectfully speak for themselves to their coaches, if they feel they have been unfairly treated or honestly deserve more playing time.
- Remember your child is more than an athlete. Everyone's playing career comes to an end, but those that understand they're more than the sport they play are able to accept the end of their playing career and are more capable of adjusting to life without sports.
- More than anything, make sure your child is having fun and enjoying the experience. You want them to play hard of course, but in the end they have to enjoy the moment or they will eventually burnout of the sport.
In the end your kids will appreciate the support, love, and time spent with you being their #1 fan!
