Words for Parents as Kids Perform

When my kids were younger, I would volunteer to coach their teams. Like a lot of parents, I’ve coached YMCA basketball and soccer teams, “Paw Ball” basketball in Indiana, Upward basketball here in Ohio and was a “band parent” when my son was in marching band. I’ve also been through the transition of moving from primary coach to a cheering parent on the sidelines or in the stands.

I thought what Tim Elmore shared in a recent post was great advice for parents. He wrote about what parents should say as they watch their kids perform and it would be worth your time to read the whole post.

If you’ve been to sporting events, you probably have a long list of what parents shouldn’t say as they watch their kids. In the post, based on psychological research, the three healthiest statements moms and dads can make as they perform are:

Before the Competition:
1. Have fun.
2. Play hard.
3. I love you.

After the competition:
1. Did you have fun?
2. I’m proud of you.
3. I love you.

Then he shared six simple words that parents should say based on what they heard from college athletes: “I love to watch you play.” If we could keep that as the primary part of our vocabulary, it would free the students to perform and the parents to cheer.

U of L Elite Camp

This past weekend Syd attended the Louisville Women’s Elite Basketball Camp. Even though she was limited in what she could do, she had a good day with the team and coaching staff. Hard to believe that a year from now she will be a student at Louisville and an official member of Card Nation.

She sent this pic with the team and the coaches.

New Angels Basketball Website

Syd is in her third year with the Cincinnati Angels AAU team and we are just so grateful for the opportunities that have opened up to her through this great organization. Recently they updated their website and have had added more info about the organization, the teams, the coaches and other information. They also have a Commitments page that shows the former and current Angels that are playing basketball at the next level.

Great website. Great organization. Check it out.