Here are the original 10, with some highlighted additions I think are relevant :
1. It’s not about you, its about them. Do not live your own sports dreams through your kids. It’s their turn now. Let them make their own choices, both good and bad. This may include them not playing a sport you'd like them too (even not playing at all)....don't force them, the combination makes the worst type of player and worst type of parent to deal with. Let them do what they love, not what you love.
2. Never talk to a coach about your child’s play time after a game. Actually you never should. You should have your kid do that. That said, if you just can’t help yourself, send an email the next day and ask for some phone time. If your child isn't playing, there's a reason...and more likely than not it has less to do with their actual ability and more with their attitude and how they've been performing in practice. If your kid is truly upset about lack of playing time use this as an opportunity for them to develop their communication and maturity (You won't be able to fight their battles about things like deadline dates for projects when they enter the workforce, so let them learn how to do it early).
3. NEVER yell at referees. They are trying. How would you like it if someone came to your job and screamed at you? Not. So. Much. If you have a real issue file a grievance the next day. I don't mean to be blunt, but parents......most of the time you don't even know the official rule. I'd like to give a short shout out to coaches on this one too....the Referees are trying to do the best they can, just like you. Unless a situation arises where their actions, or lack there of, are putting your players in danger or at risk for injury then pipe down......You aren't going to lose a game because the ref didn't call a turnover when the other team stepped out of bounds in the 3rd half. If you lose it will be because Player Suzi Q missed 4 out of 5 free throws, or a million other reasons besides poor calls.
4. Do NOT coach your kid from the sideline. Your job is to be a cheerleader, not a coach. If you wanted to coach, you should have volunteered. Most likely you've been teaching Jack and Jane their whole lives about the sport they are playing...it's time to take a step back and let them learn from someone else...I promise you don't know everything there is to know.
5. It is EXTREMELY UNLIKELY you are raising a professional athlete. I promise you. Relax, let them have a good time and learn the lessons they are supposed to be learning in sports.
6. Kids should play the sport that is in season until they are in middle school. Then they can decide which one or two sports they want to play and become more focused. Cross training prevents injuries and burnout.
7. If you have nothing nice to say, sit down and be quiet. Don’t be “that” parent.
8. If you are losing your mind on the sideline of game, it’s time to look in the mirror and figure out why. It’s not normal to care that much about sports. Put that energy into something more productive.
9. Let them fail. Forgotten equipment, not working out, not practicing at home? Let them suffer the consequences of that. It will make them better.
10. Your kids are watching you. Make them proud not embarrassed.
Mainly I think that parents should keep in mind that coaches, referees, volunteers, other players, players parents, and other school employees are people too. They have families, lives, and plenty of other things to do other than be at practice and games, but they do it because they love the sport, or the community, or just love helping people. Don't bad mouth a coach/ref/volunteer/other player/parent/school employee in front of your kids, other parents, administration, etc. How would you like it if your boss bad-mouthed you to your co-workers or to your kid....You're teaching your kids it's ok to be a jerk and keeping them from buying into the "team" aspect their coach is trying so desperately to teach them (a skill they will NEED later in life).
Just at little rant, but I was really happy to see an article from a parent that 'gets' it!
T
