Winter lingered in the cool breeze. Sure it was great to get the trophy at the end of the season, but that wasn't why I was playing. I was playing to have fun and for the comraderie. Sports help kids relate to each other, said Dr. Charles Kimball, a University of Dayton professor who has taught courses on sports psychology. He also coaches boys' soccer.
Parents are the primary influence for elementary-age children.
Conversely, good behavior rubs off too. Parents want the best The Ralph J. Stolle Countryside YMCA in Lebanon counts on parents to help promote character development in its youth sports programs. At the beginning of each season, the Y holds an informational session where parents receive the rosters, uniforms and a dose of sports philosophy, said Carol Hughes, vice president of program operation. They want their children to be the best, so they push and push and push. That's not how it is here.