DAAAANG! This guy is serious! Parents, this is a must-watch not only for our kids who want to play sports, but also for US! Coach Auriemma also says it’s hard to find kids who love the game AND can be happy when their teammates do well. He says a lot of kids have trouble celebrating anyone else’s accomplishments but their own, and that other kids are so focused on their own performances because their parents put so much pressure on them to be the BEST. On that subject, he says, “Don’t get me started.”
My kids aren’t athletic (at least not yet), but Auriemma’s message hit home with me, too. In all their activities and competitions, I want them to DO their best, more than BE the best. And I want them to have fun, enjoy themselves, and encourage others too. I think this even applies to moms and dads in the workplace (I know it does to me!)
So moms and dads, don’t let this coach’s message pass you by! And if you’ve got little athletes who are old enough to understand this (I’d say 7 or 8 years old and up), WATCH this with them and talk about what it means! They and their teams will be all the better for it!
