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 Mica Blevins

Created on: April 11, 2010   Last Updated: April 14, 2010

It seems that every morning there is a new story in the news about steroid abuse in many of sports icons. The sad part is its not just steroid abuse, but drugs, alcohol, and crime. Many say that this sets the standards, and foundation for kids entering sports. I disagree. Sportsmanship begins at home, its teaching your children to share, and that although winning is a good thing, loosing teaches us humility. Day to day parents show their children the many different sides of sportsmanship. From getting up in the morning, working as a family to get everyone off to their daily destination, to responsibility. I have never believed sportsmanship was only on a field, gym, or on a court.

As a Mother of three young children, I have coached sports, and have been a commissioner for youth baseball. I have seen both sides and although it gets ugly at times, especially with parents yelling at officials, and sometimes their own child, I remind myself this is for the kids, its a learning experience for all involved. Yes even the coaches! I have taught my children that to be good at sports is to learn from the mistakes they make, to make a mental note and then to work on it. "Rome was not built in a day" and neither was a great player! The parent side of me wants my kid to be the best on the team, but I also know, for that to happen it will take patients and practice. I refuse to belittle my child into being great. Some parents think a child's ability in sports will paint them as a good parent, but the sad fact is their true colors show, not only on their child's face, but in their own show of sportsmanship! There are however many parents who support their child and win or loose enjoy the opportunity to cheer their child on! The children of these parents are well rounded, and usually more self confident in their abilities, thus going on to become successful adults.

Parents need to be their child's role model first, and the one their child looks up to, not someone on T.V. My children have their favorite players but they also know that they are human, not a god and certainly not perfect. I think parents have relied too much on the rest of society to raise their children, from schools, to TV. The parents always set the example and always have. After all we are the ones who had them! Spending quality time, and being your child's biggest fan could be the difference in how the world will be tomorrow.

Sometimes being a parent means going above and beyond the call of duty. That means teaching your children the values they need in life.

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