What does the car ride home from the game look like in your family? Fight the temptation of being critical about the game and find ways to simply encourage.
Talking Points:
- We can’t control what coaches, other kids and parents say to our kids, but we can control what we say so let’s keep it positive. Ephesians 4:29
- Encouragement + Criticism= Discouragement. You negate any positive comments, if in the same breath, you also launch into criticism. All your child will hear are the negative tings you had to say. Ephesians 6:4
- Our competitive culture would say you “win” only if you win or if you’re on the best team. But, there is more to sports. Instead focus on things like sportsmanship, how to handle a loss, hard work, commitment, humility and being a team player. Proverbs 22:6
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What’s your typical dynamic driving home after a game? What compels you to want to say anything, good or bad?
- Read Ephesians 6:4. Do you agree that encouragement and criticism are rarely a winning combination? Explain. How has that proven to be true with your kids?
- Read Ephesians 4:29. What is this verse saying about the way we should communicate? How have you hurt your kids in the past with your words? What have you learned from those experiences?
- Read Proverbs 22:6. Our job as parents is to train our kids to grow into healthy adults. What are some great life lessons you can teach your kids while they play sports? What are some things you should train them to avoid in sports?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
