Hey there. Yes, you — the one at this children’s sports game who’s shouting at the referees and players, flailing your arms, and huffing in visible frustration. It’s time for you to take a step back. Or maybe several steps back. Grab a hotdog — I’ll even buy you one — and let the rest of us support our kids and their teams in a way that actually encourages them, which is what parents are supposed to do.
This isn’t the World Cup or the Stanley Cup; it’s much more like the Sippy Cup. These are just kids. They’re out there playing and learning through the experience, but what they’re learning from you right now is how to be an absolute jerk.
I get it — your beloved child is the “star player” and feels like they have to drag the rest of the team along. Those “clumsy teammates” are clearly the ones holding your prodigy back, right? Your child would win every game if it weren’t for those so-called “inept” players. And don’t even get me started on the referees and their questionable calls. Oh, and let’s blame the sun while we’re at it, because your little superstar definitely missed that last shot due to its brightness!
This is simply a game. Children play to have fun — typically — until they’re so stressed by some hot-headed adult that they can’t focus. They’re not professional athletes. No one’s future career is at stake here, nor is anything life-threatening riding on the outcome. It’s an after-school activity meant for enjoyment and personal growth. When you run on the treadmill, are you training for the Olympics? Probably not.
The referees are getting fed up. Other parents are also losing their patience. Sitting on these hard bleachers isn’t exactly a walk in the park, so we’d all appreciate it if you stopped adding to the discomfort — because the splintery benches and scorching sun wouldn’t be as bothersome as your behavior right now. Your outbursts aren’t helping anyone, least of all your own child.
Consider what message you’re sending to your kid, who looks to you as a role model. You’re teaching them that being rude in public is perfectly acceptable behavior. Congratulations, you’re helping shape a future generation of jerks.
Sometimes, someone has to lose. Yes, that might include your child’s team. Instead of being a hot mess, why not try being supportive and compassionate? This could be a valuable lesson in good sportsmanship and how to handle defeat with grace. Or you could just continue to be the target of disapproving glances from parents who can’t believe your childish antics.
I suppose I’ll take this opportunity to teach my kid a lesson about your outrageous behavior. I’ll point out how even adults can struggle with proper conduct. It’s unfortunate when people can’t manage their frustration. And more importantly, I’ll express my pride in the fact that he isn’t — and never will be — that kind of person.
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Summary
In summary, it’s essential for parents to model good sportsmanship at children’s sporting events rather than displaying negative behavior. Children are there to learn and have fun, not to endure pressure from overzealous parents. Instead, we should focus on supporting our kids and teaching them valuable lessons about handling both wins and losses with grace.