I’d like to dedicate this post to parents whose kids are playing football. In this article I will hold up a mirror to you and you can see whether you see the reflection you want to see…
I’d like to dedicate this post to parents whose kids are playing football. In this article I will hold up a mirror to you and you can see whether you see the reflection you want to see…
Having said that, I also would love to hear stories where you child was extremely happy, because you played, watched football with them, great debates over football, etc.
I see two kinds of players at the training;
A, children who want to be there, because they love a game of football
B, children who aren’t enthusiastic about football, but, you as parents love the game and would like it if your child has the same passion, perhaps to realise your own goals through them.
These would affect you and your child’s involvement of the game, for now just think about it, whether you give enough room for your child to decide whether football is the right thing for them.
Feedback: You as parents, your children look up to you with admiration and your involvement in their development is crucial. Take the time and come and see them play a game or even their training. I am trying to think when it was the last time a parent came up to me and asked how is ‘little John’ doing and I don’t remember. I am writing these posts to give you a general feedback on how things are at a training session, game or just in general how kids relate to football. Ask the coach to give some feedback from time-to-time to reflect on YOUR child’s development!
Why you are wrong without realising?!
Having coached children from all over the world with different background I can see in the kids behaviour the kind of parenting they have at home. Parents tend to sink into work and earning money, which in a capitalised market is inevitable. You will substitute your time with money, let me explain how; you will buy your kids the best shoes, football kit to keep them happy, but kids being kids, that only lasts for a day or maybe a week. HOWEVER, if you go around the back garden and have a kick about for 20-30 mins, in other words, you are actually investing your time to make your kids happy and I am pretty sure, you’ll like that quality time together too!
Yes, I am aware, there are preposterous excuses, garden too small, there are windows, low fence, roses, etc… I’m not going to lie to you, yes, windows might be broken, neighbour might be unhappy always throwing the ball back, flowers may get knocked over, footballs may be punctured, these will pass, they are material. However, there can be small rules of the game, could go and play in the nearby park. Of course, when I was young I did break my grandparents gate, I was constantly practicing shooting, I did break a window, I did break the lights in the garden, the paint did come off the wall, but I’m pretty sure that my parents are happy that I became a UEFA B licence coach, who is still hungry for more.
I love to hear stories, when kids share with me that him and his dad have been supporting England and they share their opinion about the game. I also like to see that some dad are actually listening to the coach and explains to their kids what the exercise is over and over until it is clear. I would also like to hear that kids get together and play a game of football, instead of playing computer games, I’d like to see more kids to socialise, thus improve on their social skills, (like I did in my childhood and I’m sure some parents would share my vision).
Dads and Moms!!! That’s right, Moms too, have a little 20 min family football in the back garden or in a park with a picnic, your kids will love it and you’ll have a smile on your face too!!!
Dear Parents, it’s your chance now to take an initiative, hope to talk to you more in person, also would like to hear your success stories and I would also be happy to share my thoughts on any question ‘issue’ that you feel knowing more about. Share your stories when you were a kid here as well as with your kids over dinner!