by Charlie Brooks posted in Parenting

Whether I like it or not, I've become a sports parent. Weekends are no longer a chance to sleep in. instead, they're a time to get up early so we can trek to hockey, baseball, soccer, or dance. This is great for my kids. I suppose my wallet and sanity can take one more hit.
I like taking an active role in my kids' activities, but I don?t want to get too rabid as a sports parent. As the kids grow and competition gets fiercer, I hope to encourage them without becoming domineering. To that end, here are a few things I hope I keep in mind going forward.
It does matter if you win? The saying, ?It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game? is 99 percent true. However, I disagree with the notion that winning doesn?t matter. Sports are about competition. If you're going to play, you should play to win. ?but not as much as other things. That said, there?s a right way and a wrong way to win. Competition matters, and sportsmanship matters even more. I'll butt my nose out of most things, but I won't abide my kids being poor sports, whether they win or lose.
I need to be a cheerleader, not a coach. (Unless, of course, I?m coaching the sport.) I get an urge to give well-meaning advice and pointers, especially if I know a great deal about the sport. But I don?t need to go around giving unsolicited advice. I?ll focus on cheering, and the coaches can coach.

I need to keep my annoyances to myself. Referees, judges, and opposing teams wi...