Parents Point of View

The role of the parent is crucial. After 15 years within education, I have been exposed to the parent and child relationship. Ultimately, sport and in particular rugby is an environment in which everyone should enjoy. The rugby family is very much an inclusive one and it is great that the rugby code is one that upholds all the incredible values that in my opinion makes it the best.

I also am a parent and it is tricky to get the right balance between supportive, competitive, pushy and overbearing. We all want the best for our children and everyone would like for their offspring to enjoy success. I wholeheartedly struggle with this myself and will endeavor to be a supporter, listening ear and soundboard when and where appropriate.

The key to rugby and any sport is enjoyment. Having taught and coached for around 15 years the children that did the best were the ones that had no additional pressure on the sideline. Too many times, really talented players who could have had really bright futures within the game, stopped playing or were constantly criticized and played within themselves.

So my first thought and a bit of advice are to not compare your sporting days but to simply enjoy watching your son/daughter enjoy this great sport. Tell them how proud you are and be a soundboard as ultimately youngsters are wanting to make you proud and looking forward to the match tea.

More thoughts, points, tips to follow......