GREENSBORO, NC -- Seeing all the kids involved in the US Figure Skating Championships got 2WTK thinking of sportsmanship.
It's estimated 41 million American kids are playing competitive sports (study done by Drexel University).
Which means at least 82 million parents are coaching and participating in some way.
How do you teach your kid to be a good sport? Piedmont Parent's Eleanor-Scott Davis has a few ideas.
"Good sportsmanship can be a hard lesson to teach our children, especially young kids, who see all the glory being thrown at the winners, and figure the way to get that is to do anything possible, even if it might mean cheating."
Whether it's skating or soccer, developing the skills is hard work, but you say it still has to be fun.
"For parents of very young children starting team sports for the first time, remember they are just playing now to learn the rules and the game. Use this opportunity to teach respect for other team members as well as the other team. Make sure the experience is fun, and that all kids know they're out there to have a good time."
Something else to keep in mind, the teachable moments don't just happen at the competition or game-- it starts before that.
"As kids get older, find other ways to teach them about good sportsmanship. As you're watching football or other sports at home, discuss what the professional players are doing and why you agree or disagree with their behaviors. There are plenty of opportunities that come up, especially when popular players get fined for particularly bad incidents."
And when you see a bad attitude on the field-- at the tournament--- don't let it slide. Davis says, "If you see your child acting in a way you disapprove of on the field, don't ignore it. Make sure you discuss the behavior and make it clear that you don't want to see it again, even if it's something the particular coach isn't enforcing."
