By: Morgan Taylor
Updated: Oct. 28, 2023
Originally Published: Oct. 28, 2023
Photo Credit: Nadezhda1906 / Shutterstock
Honestly, sports aren’t my thing. I’m not concerned about our ranking, the upcoming match, or whether my child is winning their game at this moment. My background is in show choir, not athletics.
It’s not that I don’t care about my children’s performance on the field. On the contrary, I might be seen as a bit overzealous or engaged in their activities. My focus, however, is on values that many parents seem to overlook. I’m not worried if my kids excel as athletes; I want them to grow into kind and considerate individuals who navigate the world with empathy. Thus, we adhere to our own set of guidelines when it comes to sports:
- Be Present. You chose to participate, kid, so we’re all in this together. We’re dedicating a lot of time and money to this venture, so no complaints about attending games or practices. Your teammates and coaches are relying on you, so shake off whatever’s bothering you and let’s hit the road on time.
- Give Your All. Whether your team is ahead or behind, I expect you to put in effort until the final whistle. Goofing off or checking out isn’t an option; respect the game and the players on both sides.
- Maintain Sportsmanship. If you throw a tantrum after a mishap, just keep walking toward the car because you’re done. Feelings are natural, but you need to show self-control and act graciously. If not, I’ll be stepping in to remind you that good sportsmanship is non-negotiable.
- No Finger-Pointing. Yes, that game was rough. However, if you start complaining about officials, coaches, or opponents afterward, I’ll suggest that maybe this is not the environment for you. If relying on others is too much, perhaps consider an individual sport. If you want to keep playing team sports, then focus on yourself instead of blaming others.
- Show Kindness. I might miss your big play because I’m busy tweeting, but I notice when you cheer for that teammate who struggles or compliment someone on the opposing team. Kindness is what truly makes me proud, and that’s what we’ll discuss on the way home.
- Express Gratitude to the Coach. Regardless of how much you played or any mistakes made, I expect you to thank your coach after every game. We’re all in this together, and they deserve our appreciation for their hard work, even if we think they could use a break.
- Clean Up After Yourself. Whether it was your drink or someone else’s, pick up the trash.
- Acknowledge Your Parents. We’re making sacrifices here. I just spent hours in the heat or rain, and I’m exhausted. I may not engage with the other parents because I find it hard to understand their obsession with these events. Regardless of my feelings about sports, my love for you is what matters. Please take a moment to say “thank you.”
This way of thinking keeps me engaged in my children’s sports journey while focusing on what truly matters. For further insights on family dynamics, you might find this resource on coping with loss helpful. And if you’re looking for more ways to support your family, check out this article on fertility boosters. For those interested in understanding more about intrauterine insemination, this is an excellent resource: intrauterine insemination.
In summary, engaging in children’s sports is about instilling values rather than focusing solely on the competition itself. By following these guidelines, we can create a positive experience that emphasizes kindness, gratitude, and personal growth.