The title of an article in the August 2007 issue of USA Gymnastics Technique magazine.
Some downsides familiar to all coaches:
Undermining children’s confidence Instilling fear of failure Stunting growth and development Raising anxiety levels
Strategies for coaches:
Encourage parents to take advantage of disappointment Promote open communication with the child Support a parent in letting go a little at a time Cheer on parents who stay strong Be patient and consistent.
I can recall many success stories of parents in the past who learned to let their kids grow up through gymnastics.
Certainly the terrible story of Jaycee Lee Dugard being abducted at age-11 will make some parents more protective.
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I read an article in Time Magazine, circa early ’90′s. Chris may still have a copy. It was brilliant and has become my mantra. It was titled “The Trophy Syndrome”. Although not necessarily about overprotective parents, it was more about the problem of dousing kids with medals and trophies that were not really earned. Saturating sports with so many levels that everyone succeeds and is rewarded with hardware. And how in future years, these kids will have no ability to cope with disappointment. The effects will be serious in their University years, and for future employment. Mommy can’t demand a higher grade of a Uni professor, nor a job that her child didn’t get. Was really a terrific article – wish I could remember which box it is in!
Hi Rick! How are you? These are the results from Brazilian Nationals – Junior category:
AA women’s
Janaina Silva – 53,800
Harumi Mariko – 51,133
Anna Cardoso – 50,000
AA men’s
Petrix Barbosa – 82,400
Glauco Garrido – 77,350
Sérgio Sasaki – 77,300
…The competition continues today with the event finals (WAG and MAG).
Janaina Silva on floor during other competition (Trofeu Brasil) -with arabian double tuck and full-in tuck position-
Dana,
Reminds me of these articles:
Yep, life’ll burst that self-esteem bubble
Enough already with kid gloves
Here is a recent article about the “Trophy Syndrome” from Newsweek – perhaps it will give you the info you are looking for : http://www.newsweek.com/id/126223
or try http://www.karldewazien.com/Articles/tabid/126/EntryId/127/Helicopter-Parents-by-Don-Mayhew.aspx
Great Reading
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