Comments on: What is your parenting style: Cheerleader or Coach?

By: Tori :)

Tori :) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:03:56 +0000

I think I’m a little of both. I cheer my guts out at games- never demeaning or yelling crap at my kids- just at the refs. But if I see something in the game they could improve on I mention it in passing. “Hey Tristan, if you dove at the guy’s legs next time he probably wouldn’t score…” They usually take it pretty well- and Tristan dove more the next game and had 4 awesome tackles.

By: Mocha Dad

Mocha Dad — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:03:04 +0000

I coach sports for five year olds at my church. I always ask the parents to refrain from coaching the kids because that’s my job. Of course, when my son started playing soccer. I didn’t take my own advice. I yell from the sidelines and get frustrated because I know that he his the best player on the team, but he is too easily distracted.

By: nancy face

nancy face — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:15:56 +0000

I’m a coach at home and a cheerleader in public!

At games I will cheer and yell all I want (meaning a lot!), but it’s only encouragement. I can’t stand it when parents yell AT their children or at the coach or at the referee. UGH.

At home I’ve tried giving advice and coaching my kids to do things “my way”, which is the best way, of course!

It’s never gotten me ANYWHERE!!!

By: Klin

Klin — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 23:27:49 +0000

I am a coach first. When they listen and do it right (meaning my way, mostly) then I cheer and cheer.

When my now 17 y/o boy was about 10 he asked if he could clean his room his way. I told him yes, if he didn’t mind that I took out the trash from his room my way. Only took once.

When Mini Me told me to let her dance her way I agreed as long as her coach/teacher was okay with it. When I laughed at her cuteness, but lack of style she got upset. So I asked her if I could cheer my way. She “hmpf-ed” and walked off.

Balance, right?

By: Jenny

Jenny — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:31:28 +0000

I have to say that my kids are uncoachable by me. I know because I have lost my voice yelling at my son’s basketball games. Only to have him tell me he “never” heard me.

By: So Dak Angel

So Dak Angel — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:11:30 +0000

I think I am an assistant coach…..you know….I reiterate what the coach is saying, but in a sweeter way….and I cheer too.

By: Tosha

Tosha — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:57:37 +0000

I’m my baby’s biggest cheerleader!! I think it’s important to show her how very proud I am of her achievements!

By: Tosha

Tosha — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:56:18 +0000

I’m my baby’s bestest cheerleader!! I think it’s important to show her how very proud I am of her achievements!

By: chellie

chellie — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:33:00 +0000

I’m definitely more of a cheerleader, but I do strive to push them at what I know they are good at. I danced my whole life, I enjoyed sports, but dancing was always priority. It will be interesting to see what happens with my 1 year old little girl… I want her to dance and love it and be good… this could be interesting!

By: Jennifer B.

Jennifer B. — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:26:45 +0000

I wish I were good at achieving this balance. Although I have noticed that when I give sincere praise and encouragement, my kids are happier, more confident, and also more likely to ask me for help. I would like to think that maybe if I sincerely complimented them and said, “You are good at ___! I love it too and really enjoyed it when I was growing up. I’d be happy to show you a few things that helped me if you are ever interested.” and then leave it up to them. I don’t know, but when it’s not perceived as criticism, our help is so much easier to ask for and accept.

Good luck Annie! Your kids are still so young–there’s lots of time for them to get serious about improving. You’re wise to let them enjoy it without the stress of being concerned about the level of their performance.