What lesson did you teach your child today!

Kids in the sporting arena have a great chance to learn great skills and fair play. Think about your sport parent behavior, here is an example of how kids learn from the behavior of their parents

In one particular event two kids learned a lesson, one was how to be a fair player and be gracious in defeat, the other learned that is is OK to cheat and show bad sportsmanlike behavior in order to win. Each of these lessons were taught in the actions displayed by the parents present.

What is it about parents who will happily let their child bend rules, tell fibs and generally play badly and act like it is OK, they are the parents who wonder why the kids grows up to be dishonest and difficult teens and adults. MMMM look at the example you set and what you let go by without comment or correction.

On the other hand if my kid had behaved in such a manner with me there, I would have pulled him aside and let him know under no circumstances is such behavior acceptable or warranted. I would have expected him to apologize for his bad behavior.

We are the parents we are the example that our children mould their behavior on. Sometimes we need to remove our blinders and see our kids behavior for what it really is. Never be afraid to reprimand your child if you see them act in a way that is unacceptable. If you worry about what people will think of you, let me tell you, you will regarded as a good parent who is raising a great kid, not as a selfish parent who accepts bad behavior under any circumstance.

So next time you are watching kids play sport take a little moment to think about the example you are setting and the lessons you are teaching.