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Many dads can’t wait for their kids to start playing sports. Maybe they played sports and want their children to share the joy of catching, shooting or kicking a ball. Maybe they want them to learn about teamwork, about the lessons you gain from winning and losing. Maybe it’s because they want to play together in the back yard. Maybe they want to live vicariously through their children’s exploits, driving them to heights they once, or never, knew.
It starts innocently, with kids running around and parents laughing and giggling at the parent-coaches trying to herd the cats. Intellectually, we know that whether they’re kicking a soccer ball, throwing a baseball, hacking at a golf ball or engaging in any other athletic endeavor, our job is to help them love the game enough to keep playing until they find a sport or sports, pastime or hobby that they love even more.
Then the kids get older. The games get more competitive, dads start dreaming of high school stars and college scholarships. Travel teams, trainers, AAU programs all ratchet up the intensity. It gets complicated for dads and their “ballers,” especially on the post-game car ride home — which 80 percent of young athletes call the “worst part of sports.”
Are you “supportive sports dad” or “overbearing blowhard sports dad?” Dr. Megan Cannon, a Sport and Performance Psychologist from Bethlehem, PA will steer you in the right direction to help your kids find their passion — and keep the joy — in sports.
Be supportive and helpful and make them want to wear a uniform for as long as they want. It’s not about you (Or is it? Take this daddyissuesdaily.com “Do You Ruin Your Children’s Games” survey to share your post-game experiences.)
Remember, no matter what heights your children reach in athletics, they are your children first and athletes second. Don’t make them call an Uber to enjoy their ride home after a game.
