How do you feel about pushing your kids to do well in sports?

1. 81

   cyoung35posted 12 years ago

   How do you feel about pushing your kids to do well in sports?
   
   Many of us get caught up in the competition of the sports are kids are involved in. Have you ever been too hard on your kids for having a bad game or match? If so how did you feel after?

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2. 61

   HSanAlimposted 12 years ago

   IMO Children should be encouraged to participate in extra curricular activities. That can be in sports, arts, drama or what ever is their interest. They should not be driven to perform to any set level but to enjoy the activity, develop contacts and learn about aspects of life other than pure academics.

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3. 85

   arksysposted 12 years ago

   should never be hard on a kid for sports otherwise they'll end up hating it. they need encouragement and they need to know that you have faith in their abilities no matter what, then watch them flourish.
   
   there are good days and bad days ... even for professionals.

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4. 79

   K. Burns Darlingposted 12 years ago

   Do I push my kids to do well in sports?  I push them to participate in extra-curricular activities of their choice, and once they've committed to something, or to a team, I push them to complete whatever it is that they've committed to.  For instance; My middle daughter wanted to play soccer, but she was small for her age, and often got jostled and pushed around, and she didn't like it.  She wanted to quit half way through the season; but we didn't allow her to quit because she was a part of a team, and as such there were other people depending on her. She had made a commitment and had to see it through. I encourage them to do their best at whatever they are doing, and I push them to show good sportsmanship win or lose; But no, I don't berate them or yell at them for not doing well. Although I have witnessed this type of behavior from other parents, and once even witnessed an angry father striking his eight or nine year old son for striking out.  I felt terrible for that child. Pushing a child in the manner in which you are suggesting is to me, deplorable.  It damages the child's self-esteem, and confidence and deters them from pursuing things that they might otherwise be very good or talented at.

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5. 0

   jasper420posted 12 years ago

   I think it should be your kids choice in what they do if they show intrest it something then yes you should push them to succeed

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6. 85

   wychicposted 12 years ago

   I want to encourage my kids in sports only inasmuch as they're having fun -- all other things aside, it's a GAME. If they have a bad game or match, they probably feel bad about it, and certainly don't need to fear my reaction if that happens. I figure that's a really good time to make them cookies, or watch a movie with them, because their favorite game wasn't so fun today. I'm not going to push them one bit -- if they aren't having fun anymore, then I'll happily let them quit and find something else they enjoy. There are plenty of other facets in life where they will learn the unpleasant side of accountability -- if I try to make them learn it in sports, the only real outcome I see is that they'll be afraid to try something new because then they'll be stuck whether they like it or not.

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7. 60

   Dave Mathewsposted 12 years ago

   What if a child is not athletically drawn? Do you still force them to participate?

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8. 77

   moiragallagaposted 12 years ago

   Sports is a good medium for socialization and development of a child. Aside from the physical benefits, it teaches many valuable lessons that would serve them well later on in life. Team sports help them learn to be part of a group and to realize that the universe does not revolve around him/her. They will learn teamwork, which in turn helps develop their understanding of cooperation. Individual sports are good for developing self-discipline and if motivated properly, help them learn to beat their worst enemy, their own selves.
   
   However, I believe that a child should choose to be involved in sports. We may encourage them to take up sports but we shouldn't force them. Once they have decided to take it up, of course, I would like for them to do their best and be committed to it.
   
   I think the distinction will lie in the sense that I will "push" (I prefer the words "motivate" and "encourage") my child to do well but in the context of giving his best, being committed and determined. The problem I think begins when parents push their kids to do well but do it in the context of a need to win, or where doing well is defined as winning and garnering awards. For young children, I think it is not necessary at this stage to burden them with the added pressure of having to win all the time.

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