Parents… Dads… Moms… This is a MUST READ article from Dr. Tim Elmore called What Parents Should Say – Tim Elmore
(Grandparents, you should read it too!)
I don’t often recommend or link to other blogs and articles… but this one is so very important.
Here is why – It is so important because most every parent will take time to watch their child perform – many in sporting events! But this also translates over into other activities such as recitals, spelling bees, marching band, dance, school plays, whatever your child is engaged in.
Please, don’t stop at reading my excerpt below. Read the entire article. But here is the gist… the key statements from Dr. Elmore to whet your appetite for more –
No one has more at stake in their performing child than the child’s parents.
They love their child, they’ve invested in their child.
But they can also put intense pressure on their child.
Student-athletes say: “I feel like I’m never quite good enough; I can never fully please my parents.”
A parent’s role should be one of “supporting and letting go.”
The most liberating words, the most healthy words, that parents can speak to their student-athletes (or other performing children) are quite simple.
Before the Competition:
Have fun!
Play hard!
I love you!
After the competition:
Did you have fun?
I’m proud of you!
I love you!
After much research, experts suggest six simple words parents can express that produce the most positive results in their children… what made them feel great both during and after a performance. Here they are:
– “I Love To Watch You Play.”
That’s it.
No pressure. No correction. No judgment.
Just pure love of your child using their gift in competition.
Now Dad & Mom – go out and try this with your child this week!
