It is never a picnic to see our young people acting out and being rude and disruptive while at a track meet. I know, I know this is preaching to the choir but maybe it can give you a little bit more to think on as it has me.
In General Remind them to……
- My dad used to always tell us…You are a Johnson and I expect you to behave as one, decent and in order. Don’t have someone report back to me other wise
- Be different, standout, be seen because of your character and integrity. Not your clothes, hair color(s) or brash ways. There are already enough of those around and dominating the landscape
- Have the courage be steadfast and unmovable in the pursuit of their dreams believe in them . I saw a show recently about Will.I.Am and he said (paraphrased) I am living my dreams today because I truly believed in them and myself. In third grade I called myself the wizard…Will, the Wizard and I believed it.
- Be thoughtful and considerate to the kids at school especially the ones the “cool” kids are mean and rude to, it can brighten their day and your kids day too!
- Remind them that their school peers can do nothing to help their future success if they are encouraging and leading them into bad and destructive habits.
During Track Competitions let them know you expect them to:
- Do their best and there will never be a need to compare with others
- Tantrums and stomping off the track will not be excepted. You know who the over dramatic kids are and they are ALWAYS embarrassing.
- Remember it’s a long day for everyone, help clean up running all day doesn’t mean sitting and watching others pick up trash the last half of the afternoon.
- Chose a younger athlete to mentor and be a big track sister or brother too, spend some time with them show them the ropes
- Always look an adult in the eyes when they greet you or speak to you.
- Never trash talk whether you can back it up or not
- Be and show confidence
Phrases such as:
Thank-you
Please
Yes Ma’am
No Ma’am
Are always appreciated and noted.
So there is my list of nice to share and do’s for your kid and mine this coming track season. Can you imagine what might happen if our athletes could follow these simple yet powerful rules
What an amazing post! I wish that I could memorise it!!! I think I’ll just have to settle with hanging it up on our wall at home.
…you have put into words just the chatacter traits I aim to instill in my athletic children..
Thank you!!
Good Morning, my daughter is interested in trying out for track/race, and I would like to know how can I get started with the L.A Jets, if you have any information I would appreciate it. Thanks
Absolutely brilliant, Lorraine! Your dad’s wisdom and your thoughts here are priceless! This level of respect and good sportsmanship is not only important for the athletes but their parents as well.
Thanks for putting this out here. It would be wonderful if all parents and athletes would follow your model.
@Nicole and Columbia, It takes a consistent effort to raise thoughtful respectful children and athletes, our culture embraces poor sportsmanship in so many forms sometimes the line may appear very fine when it comes to being proud of one’s self and prideful…My dad was and is great at teaching the difference….Thanks for visiting and commenting too! Merry Christmas…