SPORT AND THE DISINTERESTED PARENT

In a previous article, I wrote about the negative impact overzealous parents can have on their children’s participation in sport. However, the opposite end of the spectrum is the disinterested parent who gives no attention whatsoever to their child’s sporting pursuits. While not every single parent will be a sports fan, it is imperative that children feel as if their caregivers are showing an active interest in all their activities.

Over the years I have been actively involved in organizing and executing several district and national sporting events for youth. One of my greatest concerns has been the lack of support for children at these events. A quick scan of the turnout makes it obvious that there are more children participating than adults watching. This means that not even the parents of the participating children took time out to attend.

While work obligations and other family commitments make it difficult for most parents to attend every single event, it is disheartening when parents cannot even find the time to attend the major annual championships which occur once a year. I recall seeing a mother crying after witnessing her son compete for the first time ever, at a national football semifinal ten years ago. That was his third consecutive MVP season!

Children sometimes display talent and interest in activities which are unfamiliar to their parents. Thus, if a parent with a lukewarm interest in sport has an athletic child, that child deserves the parental attention and support required to thrive and even excel in sport. Likewise, the parent who is a sports fan, or even an athlete, should be equally supportive even when their child displays a preference for non-sporting activities.

Children often determine the importance and effort that they should give an activity or field of endeavor based on the interest shown by their parents. Therefore, in developing well-rounded individuals, parents should encourage their children to put forth their best effort in everything that they do. Parental support for all activities sends the right message to children. This is not limited to sport but applies to all facets of life.