I have observed a lot of parents who find it hard to be gracious when it comes to their children’s athletics. A lot of parents are very cut throat and will do whatever they have to do to make sure their child is on the best team, and a starter. If that does not happen for their child, they complain to other parents and the coaches that their child is better than those who beat their child out for a position. Others who have a child who is one of the best, let’s everyone know what a star their child is.
I know a family who is a great example on how we should all act when it comes to having a child in athletics. Their son is a hard worker, quiet, modest, and deserves all of the credit that he gets on and off the field. What is great is that mom and dad do not only down play his success, but are supportive of others.
Some parents are sneaky and will not share with anyone what great competitive club team they have found, or that they have hired a specialty coach for private lessons. My friends have invited my son to join in their son’s private lessons before, and are very forthcoming and encouraging to others to join his club teams. They are very proud of their son’s accomplishments, but want other people’s children to do well too. Their son is a product of this environment. He is typically quiet, but will speak up when he hears someone else picking on another kid. I have never heard him brag, or cut down any child or coach.
The most refreshing thing about the whole situation is when their son made starting quarterback, mom said “athletics are not what really count. Grades are the most important thing.” We all need to take a play out of their playbook on being gracious.