Parents Influence On Children In Sports

As the world has become a more and more competitive place, so has the world of sports. Being pushed by parents and coaches to be number one in sports, harms children. It is important for adults to influence children in a positive way to help better them in sports. Young athletes are being affected by their parents and coaches negatively. However, athletics as well as parents can have positive outcomes for kids. In sporting activities, kids have the opportunity to make themselves a well rounded person and gain physical skills. Children can learn traits such as patience and concentration, and learn to handle anger and use it in a constructive manner (Petersen 2-6). Well rounded skills that can be gained are higher expectations, greater self

Researchers have confirmed that pushy parents, who go to great lengths to make their children succeed, are attempting to make up for their own failed dreams, says Nick McDermott. Some parents try to live through their children, which can lead to problems (Stenson np). Pressuring children at an extreme level can be hurtful (Stenson np). Parents see their children as smaller versions of themselves, rather than as a separate living person, with their own hopes and dreams, says co-author Brad Bushman, a professor of psychology at Ohio State University (McDermott np). These parents may be most likely to want their children to achieve the dreams that they themselves have not achieved (McDermott np). It is different when parents are trying to support their child through pushing them in an enthusiastic manner, but it is unlike when their pressure is hurtful (Stenson np). Many athletes are driven on the sensation of winning. Petersen states, the reason most parents behave negligently is through their intense focus on whether or not their child will win (Petersen 2-6). There are differences between being a pushy parent and a supportive parent with ways to be more