TOVO TUESDAY 131

Trash Talking?

?A weekend of matches.

A barrage of sideline communication.

To be fair, most if it is completely useless and some if it is painfully debilitating. So let′s consider trashing the following...?

Constant babble is useless. Even if it is couched as ¨support¨ for a child.

Comments about a past event are useless. Not going to change moments gone.??

Play by play joy sticking a definite no-go. It is as annoying as it is ineffective.??

To the bin go babble, regrets, and joy sticking. Agreed??

This begs the question about what will fill the void. What will our kids do with more silence? Well, for one, they can breathe now. They are free to play. Lighter. They can think and connect in ways that space affords. Courage, resilience and leadership can now emerge.??

Our young athletes may actually receive a tactical instruction from a coach rather than conflicting messages. A more silent coach, by the way, is not a poor coach. He may be prudent. She may be mature. He may just be observing your child give it a go. She may be watching unfold that which was practiced.? Taking notes may be more noteworthy than noise.??

This is on us. I am a parent. I have failed more than once in this regard. But I can say I am exponentially better than I was years ago. I observe more. I relax more. I actually enjoy the game so much more. I am abundantly flawed still, but less foolish.??

I need not shout to support. My children know I love them. I show up for them and that is enough. I drive them home, nourish them and kiss them goodnight. A subtle ¨well-done¨ is far more effective than a sensational scream.?

In fact, I have learned through the years, that my presence resonates far more than my voice.??

Perhaps it′s time to trash the talking and let my child speak for himself.??

See you on the sidelines next weekend.??