Parents

Parents’ Checklist for Success

Here is a list of questions you should consider when your child begins rowing. If you can honestly answer yes to each one, you will find little trouble ahead.

Can you share your son or daughter?

This means trusting the coach to guide your child’s rowing experiences. It means accepting the coach’s authority and the fact that he or she may gain some of your child’s admiration that once was directed toward you.

Can you admit your shortcomings?

Sometimes we slip up as parents, our emotions causing us to speak before we think. We judge our child too hastily; perhaps only to learn later the child’s actions were justified. It takes character for parents to admit they made a mistake and to discuss it with their child.

Can you accept your child’s disappointments?

Sometimes being a parent means being a target for a child’s anger and frustration. Accepting your child’s disappointment also means watching your child perform poorly during a race when all of his or her friends succeed, or not being embarrassed into anger when your 12-year-old breaks into tears after a failure. Keeping your frustration in check will help you guide your son or daughter through disappointments.

Can you accept your child’s triumphs?

This sound much easier than it often is. Some parents, not realizing it, may become competitive with their daughter or son, especially if the youngster receives considerable recognition. When a child performs well in a race, parents may dwell on minor mistakes, describe how an older brother or sister did even better, or boast about how they played better many years ago.

Can you give your child some time?

Some parents are very busy, even though they are interested in their child’s participation and want to encourage it. Probably the best solution is never to promise more than you can deliver. Ask about your child’s rowing experiences, and make every effort to watch at least some races during the season.

Can you let your child make her or his own decisions?

Decisions making is an essential part of young person’s development, and it is a real challenge to parents. It means offering suggestions and guidance but finally, within reasonable limits, letting the child go his or her own way. All parents have ambitions for their children, but parents must accept the fact that they cannot mold their children’s lives. Rowing offers parents a minor initiation into the major process of letting go.


Parents Responsibilities

Let your child choose to row and to quit if he or she dose not enjoy rowing.
 Encourage participation, but don’t pressure.
 Understand what your child wants from participating in rowing and provide a supportive atmosphere for achieving these goals.
 Set limits on your child’s participation in rowing. You need to determine when she or he is physically and emotionally ready to play and to insure that the conditions for playing are safe.
 Make certain your child’s coach is qualified to guide your child through the rowing experience.
 Keep winning in perspective by remembering Athletes First, Winning Second. Instill this perspective in your child.
 Help your child set realistic goals about his or her own performance so success is guaranteed.
 Help your child understand the experiences associated with competitive sports so they can learn the valuable lessons sports can teach.
 Discipline your child when he or she misbehaves, breaks the rules, or is uncooperative or uncontrollable.
 Turn your child over to the coach at practices and races, and avoid meddling or becoming a nuisance.