In her insightful take on youth sports, author and blogger Jenna Hart, a self-proclaimed “soccer mom” and partner of a former professional athlete, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a supportive and calm presence during children’s games. Hart’s “Soccer Parent 101” guidelines, shared on social media, offer crucial advice to sports parents everywhere.
Two Types of Sports Parents
She points out that parents often fall into one of two categories: those who quietly enjoy the game and those who become overly competitive, yelling and shouting as if it were a championship final. Hart encourages parents to embrace the first approach. “When the game starts, settle in. Check your shirt,” she advises. “If it reads ‘Coach’ or ‘Referee,’ feel free to contribute your thoughts. If not, it’s best to stay quiet.”
This perspective is especially valuable coming from someone married to a sports star, demonstrating the balance between support and overexcitement. Hart acknowledges the challenge of remaining composed, yet underscores its necessity for the mental well-being of both the young athletes and the spectators.
A Humorous Solution
Hart humorously suggests a practical solution for parents who struggle to keep their comments in check: lollipops. “Pop one in your mouth as soon as you sit down,” she recommends. “Let it serve as a reminder that children are leaving sports in alarming numbers, often due to parents’ disruptive behavior.” The idea is that experiences are generally more enjoyable when parents aren’t yelling at their kids.
Encouraging Positive Engagement
In her post, Hart also emphasizes the importance of allowing children to play freely and letting the referees do their jobs. “As a parent, your role is to cheer with positive remarks like ‘great job’ or ‘keep it up,’ and maybe a gentle ‘offside!’” she states. She reminds parents to avoid negative shouting that can detract from the fun of the game.
Creating a Supportive Atmosphere
To make the experience even sweeter, Hart encourages bringing lollipops to share with other parents, suggesting it is a clever strategy to promote a supportive atmosphere while also being a little mischievous.
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Conclusion
In summary, Jenna Hart’s advice serves as a vital reminder for sports parents to maintain a supportive demeanor at their children’s events. By fostering a positive environment, not only do we support our kids, but we also enhance the overall experience for everyone involved.