FALL 2017
maskmatters.org
49
overly passionate to the point of
bad behavior.
What can we do as parents?
Most importantly, we can lead by
example and directly discuss bad
behavior with our kids. The moment
after an issue arises is the perfect
time for us to point it out to our
kids. But instead of immediately
giving your opinion about it, first
ask your child what they think. This
allows you to learn what opinions
your kids already have and, from
there, communicate what’s right
and wrong.
Bad behavior can occur in
both winning and losing, and both
present opportunities. Learning to
win and lose graciously is one of
the most vital life lessons sports
teaches. Winning feels good and
kids need to learn how to win while
not rubbing it in with words or body
language. That lesson isn’t usually
too difficult. Losing is
where it gets tricky.
Some people are
very competitive and
have a hard time dealing
with losing or failing. One of two
things usually happens: They either
get really emotional or they learn
to mask it by not fully competing,
acting like they don’t care.
You can help your child learn to
deal with losing by teaching them
it’s OK to feel frustrated, we just
need to control those feelings. They
need know it’s normal to mess up,
and that, win or lose, they build
confidence which goes beyond
sports that will serve them in life.
In the end, we all learn through
the different people on our journey.
As parents and coaches, we can
guide kids so they learn how to
have admirable character in good
and hard times.
