Example

     You would think that most adults, especially those who are parents, would understand that we are to be setting an example for the children we have and for those of others.  Of course, this example should be a good one and not one that we would not condone from our children.

     This continues to be a problem for some adults.  Especially is this true when we are attending or participating in some type of sporting event or other activity which involves our young ones.

     How bad is the situation really getting?

     “There is no youth problem in youth sports.  There is an adult problem in youth sports.”  So said Coaching School founder Gary Avischious.

     According to research by Michigan State University’s Institute for the Study of Youth Sports, more than 70% of kids drop out of youth sports by the age of 13.  One of the main reasons: ADULTS!

     I can understand a parent getting emotionally involved in their kid’s sports activities.  You want your son or daughter to be athletic and to be participating in sporting activities at their best level.  But you have to remember they also have to enjoy the sport.  This can’t really happen when they are embarrassed by YOUR activities.  It might even be possible that your child might perform better at their sporting event if YOU WEREN’T THERE! 

     I’m not saying that you should not be interested or involved in your child’s sports activities.  But you can still show interest even if you miss a game occasionally.  If your child knows that you trust that they will do their best you don’t have to be there yelling at them all the time: “Run faster!”  “Hit harder!”  Or whatever your usual comments are. 

     An article on huffpost.com by Linda Flanagan stated: Where she lives “The Summit Lacrosse Club’s code of conduct includes 14 specific directives for parents, including “I will tell my child that the official is human and sometimes makes mistakes,” and “I will not use foul language, ridicule or criticize the referee, coaches or other players, by yelling from the sidelines, or by making dramatic arm movements.” 

     This article was in 2011!  I hope that those parents took to heart the information that the Lacrosse Club was trying to provide them:  Information on how to be better FANS at their sporting events.  

     However, the situation in general across the United States hasn’t gotten any better.  The antics of many parents at their child’s sporting events only highlight the bad situation of parents’ actions.

     How can we expect our children and other youths to build within themselves a good moral standard of conduct when we give them such a poor example?  We CAN’T!

QUOTE TO CONSIDER

THOUGHTFUL GEM

"If everyone lived by the example WE set,

would the world be a better place?"