Parents and Sports

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses how a parent's support role is significantly correlated with a child's physical activity. Parents definitely influence their child's sports achievement and motivation in a number of ways. The paper examines how social rewards actually help increase a child's motivation and achievement, but the paper points out that an over-involved parent may ultimately hinder a child's enjoyment and achievement. The paper contends that too many parents have unrealistic expectations of college scholarships and professional contracts. The paper maintains that with parents placing more emphasis on winning, playing just for the love of the game may be a thing of the past.

From the Paper:

"Adults, particularly parents and coaches, are important role models for a child, and can help instill achievement-oriented attitudes, behavior, and values (Power). Parents have a major influence on the developing attitude and behavior of their child, and research suggests that the aspects of parenting that influence a child's achievement in academic settings are equally important when applied to sport (Power). Adults that are totally accepting of a child, regardless of his/her effort or performance, may fail to provide the child with the feedback that is essential to improve and achieve (Power)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Dunnewind, Stephanie. "When parents are too hands-on." Seattle Times (Seattle, WA). October 26 2004. Retrieved August 09 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.
• Gordillo-Kerby, Jami. "FAIR GAME Some parents forget to set a good example in the bleachers." The Fresno Bee (Fresno, CA). May 25 2003. Retrieved August 09 2006 from HighBeam Research Library
• Lord, Mary. "When cheers turn into jeers (and tears).(the aggressive, win-at-all-cost attitudes of many parents are marring sports contests for children)." U.S. News & World Report. May 15 2000. Retrieved August 09 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.
• Neary, Lynn. "Analysis: Parents overreacting at youth sports events."Talk of the Nation (National Public Radio). July 18 2000. Retrieved August 09 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.
• Power, Thomas G. "Parent and sport socialization: views from the achievement literature."Journal of Sport Behavior. September 01 1993. Retrieved August 09 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.

More papers on Parents and Sports:

• Research Paper # 62229 : "African-American Boys and Sports"
• Descriptive Essay # 140227 : "Sports Coaches and Parents in Youth Development"
• Analytical Essay # 134820 : "Impact of Parents/Coaches on Young Athletes"

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