Don’t Be This Sports Parent
My son had a hockey game over the weekend, and after watching a dad on the other team scream out orders from the stands the entire game, I thought I’d post some tips for being a good sports parent.
First of, these were high school varsity players. Yelling things like “Go get the puck…skate…pass it to Johnny” are completely unnecessary at any level (even if they can hear you at all) especially a higher level like this. Let the coaches do that, if even has to be done. I can’t stress how the game, any game – football, volleyball, hockey – looks very different, and easier, sitting 20 feet above the playing surface. When players are buzzing by in front of your face, it’s not that easy. Just please stop yelling and micro-managing the game from the bleachers. It’s idiotic.
Be honest with your player. Some of the best times to talk to your kids will be driving home from any activity they are are involved in. It’s a captive audience with them. If they didn’t give a good effort, let them know. Of course, praise them for things they did well or gave a great effort in doing. Sometimes the harder you work, the worse it gets. Not every day is your day but you have to try your best. I’ll always ask my son to rate his game between 1-10. I’ll also ask him to name some things he did well. A lot of times, even if he’s scored, I’ll always pick something else like he made a great pass, or something of the like. You need to be honest without going too negative. If you sugar-coat things, they’ll see right through that.
Be cognizant of them having fun. I ask my kids all the time if they had fun. That’s one of the most important things. It sounds obvious, but some kids are forced to do things they don’t want to in order to please their parents. Don’t be like that. If it starts not being enjoyable, let them try something else.
And please, by all means, STOP YELLING ORDERS FROM THE STANDS! Root on and enjoy your player by letting them play.
-Meltdown-
