Forceful parents can take the pleasure out of ‘fun sports’

Many mum just want the best for their children. They want their kids to be happy and perform well at whatever they do. However, mums and dads who constantly push their children to do better than they’re capable of can strip the fun out of things.

 

Headmaster of St Aubyn’s School in Essex, Leonard Blom, thinks that pushy parents are losing sight of what’s important when it comes to sports and games.

 

According to Blom, we have all seen "the hysterical parent pacing up and down the sideline, shouting instructions to the player on the field who is already doing his or her best for the team."

 

He thinks that this behavior can damage a child’s confidence, especially when parents start comparing their children to others. By saying things like "You need to run your lines more like James" a child can feel like a disappointment.

 

Parents need to be "realistic" about what their child is capable of because not all kids are at the same stage of development.

 

Mr Blom advises you to "always remember that children play sport for their enjoyment and not yours. Emphasising improved performances, not just winning, positively reinforces improved skills."

 

Positivity is key.