Great points in that article Brian. I couldn't agree with you more - see a lot of parental behavior at sporting events for 4 year olds! My first question to my kids after they play any kind of organized sport is 'Did you have fun?' Then they usually tell me about their participation (if I was not there with them) and if they scored, won, etc. I always try to play the results down and ask them if they had fun (again). If I was there and saw bad behavior (from a parent or kid) and they noted it too, I'll occassionally try to talk a bit with them about sportsmanship, what it means to them, what I think it means, etc. But I always go back to the 'fun' part, because if it isn't fun for them (at age 8 and almost 5), why are they doing it?
Well, that's my philosophy as a parent anyway. Sometimes it feels like I am in the minority though with all the Type-A parents I see pushing their kids today. It probably helps me, though, that I have a former elementary school teacher as a wife - she's a great role model for me on what to emphasize (and not) with our boys.
|