Why parents should set a good example...

I had an aquaintance come up to me and ask why in the world would I allow my son to join in a peewee Hockey team? And she highly suggested I didn't allow it. Not only was she demanding in saying "don't do it" acting as if she were his Mother, but she was very rude to me in every way. My reply?
"First off, he's MY son! Secondly, if he wants to play Hockey.., why not!!"

Hopefully parents set good examples in every thing they pursue for their children in life, not just sports. Since sports is the subject, I have my opinions.

I'm not an expert on sports but I love to watch them. I know if my child wants to pursue a sport I won't deny him of that. Growing up for me was hard back then, imagine today? It's emotionally strenuous for children these days with the escalated peer pressures and influence of others in different age groups and cliques. Every one knows how difficult it can be. We were all children with vivid dreams once and we know how our parents influenced or didn't influence us on those dreams.

As far as sports are concerned, I believe in that over-used saying "Life is what you make of it" and if your kids want to participate in sports, you really need to set that example for them and support their decisions. Participation in your child's life is number one. Whether he or she wants to play football, dance, be an astronaut, be an artist, writer or PLAY HOCKEY, it is our goal to influence that dream and contribute to that dream becoming reality.

Sports can increase strength and endurance in your child and also get them ready for the big world by teaching social as well as people skills. It can also help develope and shape your child's physical and mental coordination.
I was in Tae Kwon Do in my teens and would certainly recommend it to parents these days. At least a thought. I wish I'd been in Tae Kwon Do before something tragic happened to me, but that tregedy made me want to learn to defend myself. I became a more focused and healthy teenage girl in my mind and body. It was my own decision and I worked hard to pay for it myself. I do wish my mother was supportive at the time and came to my matches. I probably would have stuck with it.

Try to expand your definition of 'sport' and put the 'useful' and 'helpful' into perspective. It's a violent world out there no matter what sport your child participates in. As long as your efforts are genuine and your not forcing the soccer lessons, baseball games or pushing your child beyond what he/she can handle, the outcome could be very efficient and your son or daughter could perhaps, grow to be a very well-rounded and successful athlete.

The conclusion, why parents should set a good example in sports? We as parents are all our children have. Setting a good example in sports would broaden horizons and give the little ones a wider range of activities and goals to pursue in life. Sounds so much better than letting them lounge on the couch in the house when the air is crisp and fresh, the day is beautiful, and they really should be outside becoming healthy and strong.