Youth sports seem to have taken a turn for the worst when it comes to parents pushing their children. When you think of youth sports you shouldn’t think of parents yelling at their children for messing up or parents getting in fights with other parents. Youth sports should be about kids playing for fun and making new friend, right? Here is a sad video of what can happen when parents cross the line in youth sports.
One of the reasons for these types of actions could be how publicized professional sports are these days. When parents see how much revenue professional athletes make they need to realize that the chances of actually getting there are very slim and that by pushing their children to the max in youth sports most likely won’t get them there. Parents shouldn’t put children in sports expecting to one day live off their child’s wealth. Another reason for these actions could be parents trying to live through their children and that’s just sad. Just because a parent can no long play sports there is no need to try to live through their child, push them too hard and make a negative experience for the kids.
From personal experience I have seen all this first hand. When I played in junior tennis tournaments I saw parents yelling at their children, getting into arguments with other parents and even getting kick out of the tournament grounds for inappropriate behavior. Need I remind you that was all at TENNIS tournaments! I personally believe that parents should be required to sign some type of form during registration stating that they will not create that type of atmosphere for the children and if they do, appropriate actions will the taken. There is no reason for parents to put negative pressures in youth sports. Lets go back to making sports fun for kids not a job.
Children’s success in sport depends mostly on parents and coaches. It is very important to be positive role models and help children be positive, competitive and have fun at the same time. I found some good tips on how to be a good parent and coach in youth sport. If you have a child in youth sports take a second and make sure you are doing the right things and acting in the right way!
I can completely understand your reasoning for youth sport parents acting out of control when or if they do. When I read this article, it reminded me of those "kiddie pageants" and other similar shows that show parents acting overbearing and ridiculously controlling of their kids. These parents will do any and everything to make sure their daughter wins, under any circumstances. It is sad. The little girls look like young adults and the scariest part of all is the nasty people in the world with sick brains. I think youth sports parents are similiar in this way these parents want so much for their kids to fullfill these dreams that might reflect those of their own.
ReplyDeleteParents are a major influence on children, but if they keep imposing and crossing the line in sports games, then it only embarrases the child, and makes the parent look ignorant and immature. When parents start putting their child's needs before thier own, I think they will be able to act in a decent manner.
Diana, you will probaby find lots of allies and corporate sponsors should you wish to focus on this topic in a more expansive way. Would that interest you?
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