Report 1: ICE       Report 2: Stretching       Taf's Bio       New Playing Roles       Being One of Many       MidSeason Burnout       Parental Motivation       Be Humble       Adversity       Negativity       Concussions       Young Athletes: Part I       Weight Gain       Tip of the Week       Strength Interview       Strength Interview 2       Leading Into Summer       Warm-Up       Train with Intent       Training for Hockey       8-Week Program       Groin Strains in Hcky       Speed-Agility Program       Training for Quickness       Off-Season Cardio       Combination Lifts       Strength Training       20 & Down       Flexibility       Off-Season Rest       Muscle Soreness       Injury       Injury Rehab       Overview       Hydration       Meal Planning       Food Groups       Meal Plan       Meal Timing       Alcohol       Score More Goals       Stop at the Net!       The Slap Shot       Stretching for Goalies       PIG       Rebound       Survivor Rebound       Bet for Skate       Breaking It In       Stick With What...
	Parental Motivation is an issue that has been debated heavily over the past year. It seems that as a society we have crossed the line of what is acceptable and morally responsible. We've seen the death of a volunteer coach by the hands of an angered parent, and the banning of 400 pee-wee parents from a rink because of hostility towards the players and refs. This is a trend that seems to be occurring with alarming frequency and a trend that we felt we should shed some light on as players - players who have experienced both the positives and negatives of Parental Motivation. I was ten years old when I had my first taste of how an over zealous parent can negatively affect their child. I was ten years old when I first began to dislike the game of hockey. It wasn't the game itself or my love to play it. It was my dad who was unknowingly driving me from the game that I had been so luckily introduced to. At the time, my dad thought he was helping me, but in reality, he was hurting me. His constant criticism and gestures from the stands where gradually taking the fun out of hockey. The fun is why I played then, and that's why I play now. At ten years old, it was getting to be an unpleasant task rather than an enjoyable activity. His intentions were pure, and he was trying to help me to succeed, to improve. Unfortunately, his actions were doing more damage than good. I can remember the day when it finally came to a head. We were driving home from a game - my mom, my dad, and myself. As usual, he was critiquing my game and going over what I needed to work on. When he had finally finished and I was close to tears, I said to him "Dad, I don't ever want you to come to another game." I encourage you to take a second to think of the magnitude of that statement. Who as a ten-year-old boy doesn't want their dad in the stands? My dad was a mild over zealous parent compared to what I've personally seen and read about, yet his actions were enough to drive me to ask him to never come to see me play again. From that moment on, my dad was a model sports parent. He was encouraging yet had the right amount of constructive criticism thrown in to help me develop as a player. Both of my parents came to every game, and I honestly wouldn't have had it any other way. As I got older, I demanded both of their criticism to help me to develop. At ten, I just wasn't ready, and we'd venture to say that most kids aren't. As hockey parents, you afford us the unique opportunity of playing the great game of hockey - a game in which the parents have to make huge sacrifices, both financially and personally. We appreciate this more than you'll ever know. What we're here to say is to please let your kids enjoy the game for what it is, a game. Encourage us, help us with our skills, but be very cautious to never cross the line that takes the fun out of what we do. We hope that you take this article to heart and that you're able to learn from parents past and present. More importantly, always try to keep in mind how your actions at the rink, and at home, affect your child's love for the game.
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