When I notice parents yelling at their kids from the sidelines or at the coaches, it’s just sad. As a Christian, what’s the best way to just remind folks to let the kids be kids and enjoy playing their sport? There are never curse words or rude language…it’s more-so the parents telling the kids what to do or shouting over the coach’s direction. Maybe I’m overreacting idk.
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@skymak
Setting a good example is your most robust response.
By just doing the right thing, in an environment where others are doing the less-than-right thing may feel fruitless, or futile, but remember, the fruit is not the responsibility of the branch, but of the vine. The branch just does the right thing, and the vine produces the fruit through it. I encourage you to simply “do the right thing” in every environment. You may not see immediate results, or any results at all, but trust me others are watching (including the kids), and the difference is soaking-in to their minds. Your conduct is making a difference, even when you are not able to see it.
We’re in this together.
KP
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As Christianity is increasingly abandoned, one might expect to see an increase in carnal behavior.
I’m a sports parent. I see a lot of parents at games and practices swearing at their kids and treating them like they should be all-stars at an elementary age. It’s really upsetting, honestly.
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talk about humiliation for the kids!!
youre not overreacting. they are overbearing, proud, and terrified that their children might not meet some standard.
so in each case observe and consider why they are doing this. might help you find the right words.
when they undermine the coach’s direction, one helpful remark might be, “hey, sir,… you know, it might be confusing to your child when you try to direct them during the game. they already have a coach that you want them to respect.”
i agree on setting a good example, but since these parents are hyper-focused, they might not notice the emphasis from you enough to care.
and they may not care when you speak up, either.
you could come across as antagonistic no matter what you try.
their hearts are pumping with adrenaline and they prob wont be reasonable with you, since they already arent reasonable.
but, you never know when someone could actually be receptive, so i think it can be worth a try.
“why are you telling him/her to do something other than what coach just said?”
my husband has a humilating video where hes like 8 and in some basketball camp that he had not chosen. his parents had. he wasnt into the game, was not confident either about it. he’s trying his best to follow the ball and be part of the game, and you can hear his dad the entire time yelling at him about where to go and what to do- even undermining the coach- and my poor husband looks so torn out there, between the 2 authority figures’ direction, and hating it. and you can tell his dad is annoyed that his son is not a good player.
so my answers are based on that experience mostly. i dont have kids in sports yet, too young. so its yet to be seen how ill react to parents like that. just giving my humble 2 cents anyway.
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