Discussion Topic
Some parents build their children's lives
around sports and place a high premium on
the successes their children achieve in sports.
Such parents often enroll their kids in sports
programs when they are in preschool and
continue to encourage their involvement in
sports through high school and beyond.
Many of these parents justify their position by
equating success on the playing field with
success in the real world. They also cite the
benefits of sports to support their decisions:
improving physical fitness, building lasting
friendships, and acquiring life skills, such as
persistence and teamwork.
In light of this phenomenon, discuss the
benefits and drawbacks to parental
involvement in their children's sports lives.
When do parents cross the line between
healthy encouragement to prepare their
children for success and pushing them to
succeed at all costs?