The Parents as Enemies Myth

"Parents are the problem." It's sport's biggest myth—and we created it. For decades, we've treated parents like enemies, then complained when they became demanding. We excluded them, refused to educate them, then criticized their expectations.Three Key Points:* Parents are sport's greatest untapped resource, not its biggest problem* Most "difficult" parents are simply scared and uninformed, not malicious* Excluding parents creates more problems than including themMost "difficult" parents aren't difficult—they're scared. They love their kids desperately and don't understand how sport works. When you educate and include them, they become your greatest advocates, volunteers, and fundraisers.The best sporting communities share regular parent education, clear communication, and meaningful involvement opportunities.Self-reflection question: How are you turning the scared parents in your program into informed allies?Sports Thoughts is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waynegoldsmith.substack.com/subscribe