Sports are supposed to be FUN for kids

gassy · 09-10-2005, 03:03 PM

So I'm at my 8 yr olds soccer game this aft. & this pr!ck father is yelling at his daughter about everything...sitting in his foldable chair, throwing his hands down in disgust, rubbing his forhead. Quarter over, berates her on the sideline, and she says, "It's hard to play when you're always yelling at me". She's probably going to get whacked when she gets home. Don't yell at your 8 yr old while they're playing sports. Encourage them. Rant over. Wish I had said something to him.

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

At 8 things are starting to get competitive. Is this the first game or has the dad demonstrated this behavior before? I'd give him a couple games to mellow out before having words. Actually I wouldn't say anything unless it becomes a distraction for your daughter or the team. If so then also involve the coach. FWIW.

gassy · 09-10-2005, 03:35 PM

Point well taken. It'll be interesting to see how he is during the season--this was the first game. It's tough when 99% of the parents are supportive and clapping for both teams, yet this tool continues to "coach" his daughter in such a condescending tone. You're right...if my daughter doesn't say anything, I guess it's not up to me to cause waves.

bryanthompson · bryanthompson's Garage

Did you see the little-league baseball episode of SouthPark?

gassy · 09-10-2005, 04:25 PM

No--it sounds like I need to!

bryanthompson · bryanthompson's Garage

it's pretty damn funny. Basically, Stan's dad (i think) has to get in a fight with another dad from the other team. Each game, he's getting in another fight, getting dragged off the field, shirtless, bruised, and drunk. It's flippin' hilarious.

as he's getting dragged into a cop car: "This is for what?! Arresting me for what?! I'm not allowed to stand up for myself?! I thought this was America! Huh?! Isn't this America?! I'm sorry, I thought this was America!"

Rob Channell · 09-10-2005, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bryanthompson
Did you see the little-league baseball episode of SouthPark?

Ummmm.......did they kill Kenny?

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

How about the "get on the bag" sketch with Will Ferrell from SNL? Pretty funny but too close to the truth. I live in "Hockey Nazi" land and the way the parents act is completely insane...

Dantilla · 09-11-2005, 08:25 AM

I recently spoke with a proffessor of "Youth, Family and Culture" about such topics. Very interesting reasons why being a kid today is vastly different from just a few short years ago.

Bottom line- Kids have more pressure today. Kids do not need parents to be coaches. They need fans. They need to know they are loved unconditionally- Not dependent on how they perform on the soccer field, or even in the classrom. They just need fans. Adults who care.

Taz's Master · 09-11-2005, 02:06 PM

If you think his daughter doesn't need coaching on her playing, I'll bet he's even more certain (right or wrong) he doesn't need coaching on his parenting. Even if later on he takes your advice to heart, repents and changes his ways, I bet his initial reaction to that advice would be pretty defensive. Especially if it was given in front of his daughter.

My tact for getting him to ease up would be to intentionally compliment his daughter's play directly to him, and to others (especially your and his daughter) where he'll notice. Probably all he wants is to be proud of his daughter, see if you can help make it happen.