Surviving (Your Child's) Adolescence

I think everyone is way too hysterical and turning every time their kid is not coddled into bullying. Suck it up some. These kids need someone who does not baby them.

Bravo! Brilliant!

Glad you enjoyed it.

There is a difference between coaches that challenge and coaches that bully and its important parents know the difference. My son has played for both. How the kids respond or complain is clearly different as well. I believe as kids get older, parents need to distance themselves from being involved with coaching expcept in this one case. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE! From my experience, its watching how my student athlete responds over time in that relationship. Hardwork and perserverance in a positive coaching situation reaps rewards and growth that are positive in the end. Its not the win/loss record butthe student athlete stronger mentally and emotionally and finding joy in his sport and hard work. Bullied athletes mentally deflate over time no matter how hard they work. They are robbed of the joy of sport and competition, not because they fail in performance. They may win every game but lose there joy and eventually the love of the game. These are very different coaching relationships. Know the difference.

Yes, working hard for a hard coach can elevate self-esteem and enjoyment of the sport; being bullied by a hostile coach can reduce self-esteem and spoil any pleasure in the sport.

After 4 years of being threatened to be "ended" by her cc and track coach he finally ended her senior year by benching her in her best race at State sectionals. She is the school recorded holder in this event and has run at State the last 3 years. The last week has been hell and she is so devestated that she can hardly get up and walk. The reason? She went on the French exchange arranged by school. It has ruined her high school experience. Thank you for this article that let me know that my anger and her grief are normal. This is a cause who's time has come.

All is not lost. Your daughter can take her record of accomplishment and will to achieve and invest it in her future endeavors to happier effect. The coach was just an unhappy obstacle. She has what it takes to move on succesfuly with her life.