Are you a pushy or encouraging parent?

As a dad of five children my older three children have always been involved in sport and activities outside of school. All three played football to which I was very involved and the truth is I wanted them to achieve. Yes, I admit I wanted them to be the best, but that can’t always happen S.me children are natural athletes, but of course some have to work a bit harder at it. 

I stood on the sidelines of football pitches in all weathers watching my children play and I was, I think a quiet sort of parent although I was coaching the girls as well so at times it was a difficult balance between keeping a level head and encouraging everybody to do well. 

On many occasions I saw those parents that I grew to dislike with a passion. Their child was playing their hearts out and trying their absolute best. Then from the sidelines you heard a mum or dad screaming at their child about how dreadful they were playing It’s to.ally shocking behaviour and this would happen at least once a match at every game and also the same people would regularly abuse the referee. 

I believe it is possible to be a pushy parent to encourage the best from children and instill in them that winning is important. It’s a great lesson to take into adulthood where life is incredibly competitive. 

So you may be pushing your child to achieve, but it can be done in a constructive manner not as some parents do which is to destroy their confidence.

The truth is most of these types of parents are living their own failings through their children. Hoping in some strange way that they can achieve something. The chances are the child will pack it in because it’s simply to much to hassle for them. 

Find the right balance between pushy and encouraging and it will be smiles all around.