Dad, It’s Just a Game

Newswise — Anger and aggression by parents at children's sporting events happens when parents identify too much with their children, said UAB child psychologist Vivian Friedman, Ph.D. "When that happens, the child ceases to be a separate person. This stems from narcissism. It's total self-involvement, so when parents see other children hitting their child, it's like the children are hitting them. Then some parents, who weren't great athletes themselves, are trying to live through their children." Parents who yell and scream discourage average or poor players, leaving what should be a fun sport to only the highly skilled children. "Other parents should step in and remind the aggressive parent that it's only a game or do something to break the intense focus on winning."