Attributes of a good softball parent

Hey...one miracle at a time brother!

 

The friends made along the road...

Yes, Cheeze, those are called friends! They are people who have the same life as you, (whatever your DD's wants and desires are)! They have sat on softball fields, in all temps and conditions (pouring rain and such), bonding together through the different stages, (boys, hormones, divorces, marriages 2nd & 3rd Haha, siblings that play on other teams or other sports) etc... There are friendships that we have made, that will be lifelong! They are times that I would not trade for ANY amount of money or wealth! The memories are PRICELESS!

 

All of the above plus:

A good softball parent doesn't second guess the coaching staff and whine and complain to other parents/spectators... shoulda this and woulda that.

If a good parent has a concern, they talk to the coach straight up.

If a good parent has a problem with a decision, they maturely discuss it with the coach (not everyone outside the fence)... and NEVER at the field on game day.

A good parent NEVER pitches a fit with a coach or game official.

 

Never is a very STRONG word....

I think NEVER is a very strong word to use in this situation! LOL Have you actually had a kid playing in games at some tournaments? LOL

 

Can I coach this team?.....

....look TBR, there will NEVER be any game involving kids/parents that won't be critiqued. Would I bunt here or steal there type of stuff. Its inevitable! Being critical of coaches decisions is not in itself making one a bad parent. As long as ones criticism of another is not offensive, say, like, wow, I'd have done XY or Z. That type of coaching from the stands has its place as long as it stays in its place. Good example, Who likes to be told how to drive by anybody when you think you're doing the best you can? Hey mama/daddy, or pal, if you want to take the wheel, go for it! Be it in a car or on the field, otherwise, no matter how right you think you are, ( and you might be ), keep your comments on the down low!

 

Agree with the majority of this post except this line

"If a good parent has a concern, they talk to the coach straight up."

I think you should have your DD talk to the coach first. We as parents will not be around always and if they go to the next level they will not have us to handle any problems that arise. Communication between the coach and the player is as important as any other thing that could be taught. That plus the fact that if a parent is approaching a coach about a problem, even if it is behind closed doors, the probability that they are coming at it with negativity is extremely high. Questions carry more weight if they come from the kids. I personally try to get my DD's to ask the questions and address the problems themselves first and then if need be, we will go TOGETHER to talk to the coach. You'll be amazed at the decision making abilities of some of these young ladies if we just give them the chance.

 

A Winner!!!!!!! Great post Parkland

 

Wow what a concept....Teaching kids to be independent thinkers....Putting them in the place to problem solve with an adult (other than a parent) who has their best interest at heart......helping them to mature without a parent holding their hand....Spread the word!!! Is there a chance we could get this idea to catch on?
GREAT POST!!!!!

 

I agree to a point...

I agree that the kid should be taught to deal with the coach face to face!
But, I also know there are times when the coach is completely unapproachable or the kid going to the coach has absolutely no affect on the concern at hand!
I do think that there are appropriate times for the parent to step up and discuss things with a coach! That is part of supporting your DD as a parent!
I also believe that there are appropriate times and places for these concerns to be addressed with the coach! But, I will also say, that there are those coaches out there, that just make it so DANG hard for the parent! They almost leave a parent no other choice, than to act inappropriately! I know that we are all in charge of our own reactions, but as a parent, anyone can be pushed TOO far (especially when it involves your kid)! I am NOT saying that is is right, just saying, that I can understand in some situations, where it can happen!
I think some coaches make themselves so unapproachable that they don't leave players or parents a very good option!
Yes, I also know that there are parents, that make a coaches job, a living nightmare too! (I probably have been that to at least 1 coach in my lifetime, LOL) And there are a couple of coaches, that I hope, I was a complete nightmare to, LOL!
Just saying that I think the majority of parents, want to teach their kids right from wrong and they want to do the right thing as well, but there is always that GRAY area! I don't think it is fair, to say that the kid should be the one to address the coach, not the parent! (Sometimes the age of the child matters too)! JMO