London - If your child is lagging behind in the sprint on school sports day, try not to shout from the sidelines.
For pushy parents who criticise their children’s sporting abilities are putting a generation off exercise, a poll reveals.
Mothers and fathers are increasingly resorting to abuse to spur on their offspring, with some swearing or telling children they are “too lazy” or “worthless”.
A survey of children aged eight to 16 has now found almost half do not want to do sport because of their parents’ behaviour. Some 16 percent said they were criticised by grown-ups frequently.
Children told researchers they had been labelled “too heavy” or “too lazy to run”, with one reportedly being told: “You’re not good enough... you’re worthless.” One in four youngsters said winning even meant more to their parents than it did to them.
The study by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and the Chance to Shine charity also found that more than 40 percent had seen adults abusing a coach or referee – and in some cases throwing things at them.
Luke Swanson, of Chance to Shine, said: “This is a wake-up call to anyone who supports their children from the boundary, the touchline or the courtside.”
Daily Mail