Children's Sports Psychology
According to the authors of The Handbook of Sport Psychology the problems in sports are on the rise, but the number of athletes is diminishing (p.435). Are these problems the barrier and reason to why parents do not send their children in sports? Or are the children choosing not to play based on lack interest or since they too see the problems? Despite the "dark sides" of sports, including the "fine line" of aggression, and competition levels, Parents should be aware of the benefits like fun, teamwork, and physical exercise in their younger children, who play sports.
In a newspaper article from the Vancouver Sun, there was an article about two fathers fighting in the stands, over a call made by the referee in a hockey game. Their words came eventually to blows and as a result one father killed the other. This is one of the problems stemming from over specialization, the practice of encouraging a child at young age to specialize in one sport and become extremely good at that particular game.
The parents involved had their children playing in the Peewee division, the youngest division in hockey. These parents bent on making their child the best ruined their lives and those related to them, through this stupid act of violence. Shane Murphy writes in his book, The cheers and the tears (p.12) the reason why parents act this way is not because they are bad parents. This results from strong emotions aroused in a parent, by seeing your child, your flesh and blood locked in a competitive struggle with other athletes. Shane is also convinced ego is involved, stating those parents who have a problem with their ego being crushed when child looses a game, would be better of at home than to come out to the ball field to support their child (p.12).
Some hints to parents with children in sports is to; provided money to buy equipment, and regularly attend games. Accompany the child to major league games, and advise them that they can be as good... [continues]
According to the authors of The Handbook of Sport Psychology the problems in sports are on the rise, but the number of athletes is diminishing (p.435). Are these problems the barrier and reason to why parents do not send their children in sports? Or are the children choosing not to play based on lack interest or since they too see the problems? Despite the "dark sides" of sports, including the "fine line" of aggression, and competition levels, Parents should be aware of the benefits like fun, teamwork, and physical exercise in their younger children, who play sports.
In a newspaper article from the Vancouver Sun, there was an article about two fathers fighting in the stands, over a call made by the referee in a hockey game. Their words came eventually to blows and as a result one father killed the other. This is one of the problems stemming from over specialization, the practice of encouraging a child at young age to specialize in one sport and become extremely good at that particular game.
The parents involved had their children playing in the Peewee division, the youngest division in hockey. These parents bent on making their child the best ruined their lives and those related to them, through this stupid act of violence. Shane Murphy writes in his book, The cheers and the tears (p.12) the reason why parents act this way is not because they are bad parents. This results from strong emotions aroused in a parent, by seeing your child, your flesh and blood locked in a competitive struggle with other athletes. Shane is also convinced ego is involved, stating those parents who have a problem with their ego being crushed when child looses a game, would be better of at home than to come out to the ball field to support their child (p.12).
Some hints to parents with children in sports is to; provided money to buy equipment, and regularly attend games. Accompany the child to major league games, and advise them that they can be as good... [continues]
Cite This Essay
- APA
-
(2005, 11). Children Sports Psychology. StudyMode.com. Retrieved 11, 2005, from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Children-Sports-Psychology-70585.html
- MLA
-
"Children Sports Psychology" StudyMode.com. 11 2005. 11 2005 <http://www.studymode.com/essays/Children-Sports-Psychology-70585.html>.
- CHICAGO
-
"Children Sports Psychology." StudyMode.com. 11, 2005. Accessed 11, 2005. http://www.studymode.com/essays/Children-Sports-Psychology-70585.html.
