Here is the question:
"As a parent, how do you encourage and reinforce the positive aspects of youth sports?"
I have always loved sports myself. But growing up in a hispanic immigrant family who had more important things that expensive sports on their minds, i never got to play. In high school i finally was allowed to play softball becuase it didn't cost my parents anything. I loved it. I looked forward to the games, my friends, and everything else. I even got my letterman jacket for playing on the varsity softball team. I didn't learn how to play volleyball until after high school, and i didn't want this for my son. So when my son turned 3, I signed him up for his first sport, Soccer. I, being a single parent, was looking for male influence in my son's life. I wanted to teach him teamwork, leadership, friendship, and most of all wanted him to have fun. We got more than that out of one sport. My son was so shy, and scared I ended up becoming the assistant coach. He wouldn't even get on the field without me. That season was great. My son and I got closer than we have ever been. We learned so much about Soccer. We were hooked.
YMCA 04, Me and Matt (he is right under me)After that season and many more seasons after I have always giving him the choice to continue playing sports if he feels up to it. I never want to puch something on my son that he would not want to do. But sports has kept him busy. He loves making all the new friends. And I always end up being assistant coach. I am always involved at the local YMCA. If there is opportunities open I always ask my son if he would like for us to join in on the fun. Programs like the YMCA will work out payment plans for assistant to those that need it. It doesn't cost much to me for all that we get out of it.
Matt 06So as a parent I continue to allow my son to play any sports he wishes as long as his grades are passing. I provide him with opportunities that i did not have growing up. I encourage him by getting all our family out there cheering for him. I support by being the assistant coach or team mom, selling chocolates, or buying snacks. Sports are great for kids. Let's all encourage our kids and give them these opportunities, there are lessons to be learned out on those fields some that can't be taught anywhere else.
About the Liberty Mutual ResponsibleSports.com:
Created by Liberty Mutual in partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance, US Youth Soccer, USA Hockey and the Amateur Softball Association, the Liberty Mutual Responsible Sports program provides resources for parents and coaches at www.responsiblesports.com to help children reap the full benefits of playing a team sport. The online community incorporates blogs, videos, and best practices on youth sports topics that provide practical, real-world advice. Parents and coaches also can complete coursework on positive sports mentoring that offers best practices for handling challenging sports scenarios.
Please leave a comment, what sport do your kids love the most?
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17 comments:
Such adorable boys!! Love that you have encouraged your kids to play sports! :)
I think it is great for parents to encourage their children to do more that sit in front of a television.
It looks like you are giving your son an opportunity to expand his world and have fun at it.
I think it's great to have your son in sports. I hope to put my daughter in sports this coming year!
Great post. I am so glad your son likes sports. I was in the same situation growing up. It wasn't until I was in HS that I finally was able to play, cause my parents could afford it. With 4 kids myself, sometimes I think to myself, how am I going to afford them when all 4 want to be in them. Sports can be so expensive!
I started all my kids in sports when they were little also. In the beginning it was just to keep them busy! Along the way the grew to develop a passion for the game. All 4 play soccer, 2 played Varsity soccer all four years in high school, my oldest daughter will be playing college soccer. Allowing them the ability to try different things is the greatest gift you can give your child!
Way to go, Alba! As reluctant as I sometimes am to get personally involved in coaching my kids, I always have such a great experience when I do. Loved this post!
The grades are so important so as long as good grades are the rule I love the kids playing sports. Even then I still think we all need physical activity so sports are a great way to stay in shape!
Diane
I love kids sports. It is hard to remember a time when they weren't involved in some sort of activity. They are teens now and it only gets more fun.
These days our kids need some kind of activity such as sports to keep them on the right track! It's awesome what your doing with Matt!
I also grew up in a lower middle class working family, and though there was alot of love in our house, there was very little money for extracurriculars, and free time was scarce for my parents (funny as a child that we cannot comprehend this but when we're adults and paying our own bills we get the AHA! moment) I also became determined to allow my children to become involved in sports, soccer, cheer, football, basketball, etc. With 5 kids this has become a small fortune but I feel my kids are learning important life lessons and our family bond is even stronger!
My little ones are not old enough to play sports yet but I really hope they will. It is so great to feel fit and a part of a group working toward something.
Que bueno!!! Sports are great! Keeps them busy active and doing something constructive that teaches them so much more than how to play!
It teriffic that Matt enjoys sports and great that you encourage him to be the best that he can be in all aspects. Keep up the good work and continue to be his personal cheerleader. Wish the world had more parents with the genuine concern for the children.Wishing Matt a long and successful sports career.
Chuckig
First of all girlie...i have to give you top props!!! You have been such an excellent parent to your son, as far as i remember you have always been there for Matt and worked very hard to provide for him. Its great that you have involved him in sports and we should also give the lil man props for keeping his grades up to continue to play sports as well....Way to go MAtt!!! Whenever i do have kids knowing that my future hubby loves sports, i think we will also let them decide on their own what sports to play.
Evelyn Mancilla
He looks so adorable on his uniform, it's nice to see that you keep him busy and doing some productive on his free time. Keep up the great work you are doing!
~Christy~
Congratulations to all the parents who support their kids in sports...the advantages are truly remarkable and stay with you forever. Growing up I played many sports- this not only helped me in building self confidence and managing responsibilities but also with leadership and team building skills that led to a healthier inner and outer me. :)
Playing sports is great for all kids so that they can learn how to work together.
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