Ever since I was little, I’ve been very active in sports. I’ve played a lot of individual sports, where you alone are in control of your performance, but also a few team sports. Being active was a value I wanted to pass on to my children, but at what cost?
Whether it’s hockey, baseball, soccer, or any other sport, I see exceptional coaches who encourage children and push them to excel in a positive way. Unfortunately, I also see coaches who are on a power trip and for whom winning or performance takes precedence over the children’s well-being and self-esteem.
The best player in the NHL might not be the best coach for children. While the technical aspects of a sport are very important, we mustn’t forget that interpersonal skills are also essential, since we’re working with children—and not everyone possesses those skills.
The coaches who volunteer to coach your children do so on a volunteer basis. Despite all their good intentions, they may not always be the right people for this kind of work. Furthermore, a shortage of volunteers sometimes leaves sports organizations with no choice but to rely on these individuals to look after your children.
I’m telling you this, dear parents:
Don’t let anyone yell at your child, for any reason. Or worse yet, belittle them. It’s just a game, and they’re just kids who are there to have fun and burn off their energy. I agree that there should be rules and that children should be supervised fairly strictly, but not to their detriment. Be vigilant, and above all, make sure your children are having fun!