Sure, here’s a more casual rewrite:
Going to watch your kids play sports is always a blast, right? But man, things can go south real quick if some parents get too competitive. Dr. Lauren Havel from Baylor College of Medicine knows all about it. She says when parents expect their kids to be perfect on the field and show disappointment or embarrassment when they’re not, it messes with the kids’ heads. They start doubting themselves and wonder if their parents are proud of them at all.
And it’s not just about performance. Kids pick up on how adults act, so if parents are always yelling at the ref or bad-mouthing the other team, guess what? The kids start doing the same. Plus, if parents start dropping curse words or throwing their weight around, kids think that’s normal behavior.
But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be that way. Dr. Havel says instead of getting all worked up during the game, focus on why your kid loves playing in the first place. And if you feel like you’re about to lose it, just take a breather. Go for a walk or grab a snack. And if you’ve got a problem with the coach or ref, don’t make a scene in front of the kids. Wait until later to talk about it.
The key is to keep it fun and positive. Cheer for your kid and the other team too. And don’t just focus on who wins or loses. Celebrate the effort and hustle, even if there’s a bad play here and there. And if your kid’s feeling down, let them know it’s okay to be bummed out. Then give them some love and encouragement.
Dr. Havel says it’s all about teaching kids that success isn’t just about winning. It’s about how you get there. So help them build up that confidence and resilience. Because when parents lay off the pressure, kids can enjoy sports without all the anxiety and stress. And that’s a win for everyone.
