None of us are naive to the fact that bullying is a real thing, in school, in mom-hood, in coaching, in umping…..and definitely not in playing the sport…..
You can’t and won’t always be the “cool” kid, the “greatest” player, the good grades, the “popular” jock…..
Find your crowd…..find THIER crowd!
As much as we might all be looking for our player to be the next “Wayne Gretzky” or “Big-Poppy”….they might not be…… but they MAY also be!
Giving them the opportunity of a lifetime isn’t a choice that comes easily, or without it’s own quarrels….
Its TME!
Its MONEY!
Its COMMITTMENT!
Its daily TRIALS and TRIBULATIONS!
Do THEY want it?
Do you YOU want it?
You HAVE to COMMIT! But SO DO THEY!
I know my kiddos are going to have a bad game, a bad inning, a “bad” season….
Focus on what you can control!
“You did _________so well”
“I understand why you felt ________”
“That must have been really hard!”
But the most important questions and conversations are those you’re seeking their insight…..
“What do you want to do to change that?”
“What can we do to support you to make those changes”
“Do you want to continue?” (Remember, you didn’t get into this to chase your dreams….but THEIR’S)
You are a sounding board as a parent….give them options…..and allow them the space to express themselves and their feelings
It’s all about action, attitude, support and willingness to adjust on all fronts (“Do we need to find a different team? An alternate location? Other opportunities? An alternate environment?
I have seen the constant….well my child doesn’t play for “local” rec, he isn’t used to the kids, they’re all so “close knit”, because they go to school together, so mine just doesn’t “fit in”
There are so many factors to that contribute to their “appearance”…
How do they show up?
-Are they prepared?
-Are they willing to put in the time?
-Are you willing to put in the time?
-Are they having an off day/week/month?
-Do they have a choice, option, or opinion? That you’ve heard?
I am the loudest proponent of ATTITUDE!!!!!! They can and will control their attitude, if you present it to them as an option!
Attitude: A kiddo who is being positive and kind is far less likely to be the “butt” of the joke or the “under-dog” of the team if they have the perspective and Positivity. You have to teach them “attitude control”.
You win as a team and you lose as a team, but you don’t get to choose your team (thats what try-outs are for). You CAN directly influence your teams ATTITUDE!
And eminating that statement is KEY!
The trials and tribulations of travel sports are not for the faint of heart. As a teamate, you show up positive, ready to support and