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Subject: |
The ABC's of Sideline Etiquette for Parents |
| Date: |
2009-06-01
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The ABC's of Sideline
Etiquette for Parents
By Thomas Haller and
Chick Moorman
www.uncommon-parenting.com
The
spring sports season for children is in full swing. Youth soccer
complexes are packed with boys and girls of all ages and sizes chasing
colorful balls with their eager legs. Neighborhood parks and school
baseball diamonds are filled with children swinging for the fences or
simply happy to hit the ball. Riding arenas are filled with horses and
their enthusiastic riders hoping to impress the judges.
Regardless of whether your child participates in soccer, baseball,
basketball, softball, horseback riding, swimming, hockey, or
volleyball, sideline etiquette for parents is important. It is also
often neglected.
Your behavior on the sidelines is as important as your child’s behavior
between the lines. While playing out the important role of spectating,
consider the following ABC's of sideline etiquette. Here you will find
valuable ways to support your child as you watch their participation.
A -- Anger Management. Hold on
to your temper. Model restraint for your young athlete. Refrain from
yelling from the sidelines or stands. This can be embarrassing to your
child and can build resentment toward your presence. Yes, get excited,
but channel that excitement into encouragement and applause. Stay home
if you're prone to lose control and occasionally berate officials or
disrespect other spectators.
B -- Bigger Picture. Remember
that winning is only one of the goals of competition. Keep the value of
winning in perspective. Yes, winning is important. Everyone likes to
win. Yet, playing to one's ability, giving strong effort, exhibiting
good sportsmanship, improving skills, playing within the rules, and
learning to lose with grace are lessons that are just as valuable as
winning.
C -- Coach or Cheer. Many
programs are looking for anyone willing to coach. If you think you have
the knowledge, ability and patience, volunteer to be a coach. You can
also lend a hand at practice if you feel qualified and the coach
approves. Cheer for other children. Focusing solely on your child sends
the message that you don't care about the team or the event. It tells
others that you are only there for your child. Compliment players as
they are substituted in and out of the game. Applaud their
accomplishments.
D -- Don't Be a Critic. Resist
the urge to critique your child. Improvement is more likely in an
atmosphere of positive encouragement. Often with positive intentions,
parents inform children of their errors and how they can improve. This
feedback is often unnecessary, as children are usually aware of their
errors. They don't need parents making a verbal list of mistakes to be
corrected. They need you to be there and to allow them to play and have
fun.
E -- Enjoy. Find enjoyment in
your child's desire to be active and involved. Appreciate his
willingness to learn a new skill and take a risk by performing it in
front of others. Smile on the inside when you see your son or daughter
take the field as they learn about blending fun and competition. Be
proud for them and happy that you get to be a part of it.
Enjoy the benefits your children receive: exercise, fresh air, skill
development, sportsmanship, and the feeling of camaraderie among their
teammates and fellow participants. Also remember there are
benefits for you in being supportive and watching your children grow
into responsible, confident beings.
Thomas Haller and Chick Moorman are leading parenting
authorities, authors, and motivational speakers. Click
here to sign-up for their free newsletter. Permission
granted for use
on DrLaura.com.
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