Can children be taught the value of sportsmanship in an era of steroid abuse among professional athletes and ever more aggressive parents in the stands at little league games?

by Celia Winchester

Created on: July 06, 2009   Last Updated: March 02, 2012

In an era of steroid abuse among professional athletes that are practically held in almost god -like acclaim and aggressive parents who are trying to live their lost youth through their children, the true meaning of sportsmanship is slowly fading away. However, this does not have to be the end. Sportsmanship does not have to evaporate into the air like dumped Gatorade after a great play. We, as adults, have the power to show children that sports are all in good fun and that one does not always have to win to be considered a winner.

The greatest of athletes have lost at least once in their careers. They learn from their mistakes, see where they need improvement and then practice even harder. But what do we tell a child when their favorite athlete is let go from their contract because of steroid abuse? How do we tell a child that the human body can achieve amazing things without the help of enhancers?

One way would be to show the horrid effects of steroids on the human body years down the line. The pain and anguish that these new synthesized drugs have on the heart and the possible physical deformities that come along with the few years of athletic glory. As parents and role models, we need to make children like what they see in the mirror and reassure them that we will love them and be proud of them no matter how they perform. Take the time to show them great athletes that succeeded simply from sweat, tears, and faith. Answer your child's questions honestly and help them to discover new and healthy training methods instead of allowing them to fall into unhealthy habits.

As for the parents that degrade and abuse their children for the results of little league games, they should look within themselves. These parents are usually the failed high school football player or, the parent that could have made it to state and had a professional career (if it wasn't for that damn injury). Parents need to stop seeing their children as the fountain of youth and their second chance at their past failures. They had their chance; it's their kid's turn now.

When it comes down to it, we can either instill sportsmanship in our children or destroy it. Life is not always about winning. An eight year-old child is suppose to be excited about playing a game with their friends, not about losing to another bunch of eight year-olds. With the ever growing obesity rate in American Children, we should simply be satisfied enough that our child is not sitting inside getting fat on junk food and rotting their brains away at the computer.

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