One of the things I really liked about AYSO kids soccer organization was their emphasis on positive coaching and fan participation. The "little league’ mentality was banned. Every kid played at least a full half of the game and fun and fundamentals were more important than winning ( there were no “league standings”, no win/loss records ).
Parents cheered for both sides, and the kids were taught good sportsmanship.
Other youth leagues I refereed were more competitive and the parents more unruly – they tended to forget it was a kid’s game !
But I thought the PC police made it a law to NOT cheer at children’s games. You don’t want the little children to grow up with bruised EGOS.. Do you? Just give them a participation award no matter how badly they performed.
I’m that mom. I don’t do sports, and neither of my daughters does either, but for other things. My younger daughter has a friend whose parents are pretty much losers (I’m not judging; I KNOW them), but I love that little girl. The father did, at least, come to the elementary school graduation. After hugging the girl I walked up to the father and said (in a tone that was accidentally a tad threatening), “She has a hold of my heart.” I also encouraged a couple of other girls who were at an audition for a show that my daughter was trying out for. Thankfully, both of my daughters are not the jealous types and love when I encourage their friends.
My sister yells like that at sports events, whether her grandkids games or TV football games. I don’t really watch football, but it’s kind of interesting watching her watch football.
As a hockey mom, I saw some interesting stuff. Parents who dropped off their kids and left never knew how important it was for those young players to see supporters in the stands. Some of the parents who did attend were so determined to see their kid be a star that they also ruined a great game. Kids were shouted at and bullied from the stands, and volunteer coaches were criticized. I’m hoping things have changed since I was a hockey mom.
My dad once gave me the best advice about playing sports as a kid.
I was playing Little League baseball ( which I hated ) and my dad noticed, as we came home from practice, that I was unhappy. I was reluctant, at first to confide in him because he’d been a terrific athlete growing up, and loved baseball. But when he finally got it out of me what was wrong, his reaction wasn’t at all what I expected.
He asked my why I was playing when I didn’t like it and I answered that I thought the he wanted me to play.
He gently explained that it was my summer vacation, not his. I worked hard doing my chores and little jobs and when I played sports, it was to have fun and enjoy what I was doing. I was not an extension of his own ego, He was not going to relive his youth , vicariously, through me. If I wanted to play soccer, swim, or act in a play, he’d encourage me and help me any way he could, and he’d cheer me on… BUT he was cheering for me and proud of me, no matter what I did.
I have tried to pass that same sentiment to my kids and grandkids.
Without a father I was free not to be in sports. I’d rather draw or go to the library. My dad stayed long enough to help produce three sons before he couldn’t take it anymore.
I wasn’t into sports but my mom wanted me to join a sorority. When I had to write, by cutting out words from a newspaper, why I wanted to join, the only reason I could think of was that she wanted me to do it. I quit right then and there.
I recall an episode of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air where Uncle Phil was asked why he didn’t go to a basketball game, and his response was good: “I have been there at your swim meet, your tennis tournament, your debate matches. Frankly, keeping up with your activities is a full time job!”
Tyge almost 8 years ago
I had a team mom like that once. Her boy’s name was Harold. She had a shrill voice. I loved it.
NeedaChuckle Premium Member almost 8 years ago
Good for her. My brother used to go to my nephew’s games till he was thrown out and told to stay away. Taking things too seriously.
masnadies almost 8 years ago
Parents who are positive and support everyone are the best!
Linguist almost 8 years ago
One of the things I really liked about AYSO kids soccer organization was their emphasis on positive coaching and fan participation. The "little league’ mentality was banned. Every kid played at least a full half of the game and fun and fundamentals were more important than winning ( there were no “league standings”, no win/loss records ).
Parents cheered for both sides, and the kids were taught good sportsmanship.
Other youth leagues I refereed were more competitive and the parents more unruly – they tended to forget it was a kid’s game !
ladykat almost 8 years ago
Elly rocks!
euvnrutas almost 8 years ago
But I thought the PC police made it a law to NOT cheer at children’s games. You don’t want the little children to grow up with bruised EGOS.. Do you? Just give them a participation award no matter how badly they performed.
Wren Fahel almost 8 years ago
I’m that mom. I don’t do sports, and neither of my daughters does either, but for other things. My younger daughter has a friend whose parents are pretty much losers (I’m not judging; I KNOW them), but I love that little girl. The father did, at least, come to the elementary school graduation. After hugging the girl I walked up to the father and said (in a tone that was accidentally a tad threatening), “She has a hold of my heart.” I also encouraged a couple of other girls who were at an audition for a show that my daughter was trying out for. Thankfully, both of my daughters are not the jealous types and love when I encourage their friends.
Asharah almost 8 years ago
My sister yells like that at sports events, whether her grandkids games or TV football games. I don’t really watch football, but it’s kind of interesting watching her watch football.
mabrndt Premium Member almost 8 years ago
Lynn’s Notes:
As a hockey mom, I saw some interesting stuff. Parents who dropped off their kids and left never knew how important it was for those young players to see supporters in the stands. Some of the parents who did attend were so determined to see their kid be a star that they also ruined a great game. Kids were shouted at and bullied from the stands, and volunteer coaches were criticized. I’m hoping things have changed since I was a hockey mom.
Linguist almost 8 years ago
My dad once gave me the best advice about playing sports as a kid.
I was playing Little League baseball ( which I hated ) and my dad noticed, as we came home from practice, that I was unhappy. I was reluctant, at first to confide in him because he’d been a terrific athlete growing up, and loved baseball. But when he finally got it out of me what was wrong, his reaction wasn’t at all what I expected.
He asked my why I was playing when I didn’t like it and I answered that I thought the he wanted me to play.
He gently explained that it was my summer vacation, not his. I worked hard doing my chores and little jobs and when I played sports, it was to have fun and enjoy what I was doing. I was not an extension of his own ego, He was not going to relive his youth , vicariously, through me. If I wanted to play soccer, swim, or act in a play, he’d encourage me and help me any way he could, and he’d cheer me on… BUT he was cheering for me and proud of me, no matter what I did.
I have tried to pass that same sentiment to my kids and grandkids.
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] almost 8 years ago
Without a father I was free not to be in sports. I’d rather draw or go to the library. My dad stayed long enough to help produce three sons before he couldn’t take it anymore.
rekam Premium Member almost 8 years ago
I wasn’t into sports but my mom wanted me to join a sorority. When I had to write, by cutting out words from a newspaper, why I wanted to join, the only reason I could think of was that she wanted me to do it. I quit right then and there.
chain gang charlie almost 8 years ago
To ,Christos…No one will ever forget your mom……Way to go Elly……
USN1977 almost 8 years ago
I recall an episode of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air where Uncle Phil was asked why he didn’t go to a basketball game, and his response was good: “I have been there at your swim meet, your tennis tournament, your debate matches. Frankly, keeping up with your activities is a full time job!”