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Confessions of a Soccer
Parent
 One of the more enjoyable experiences I have each fall is
watching my three children play soccer. To see their growing skills and
love for the game is truly a blessing.
I can now confess, however, that I could have made it even more fun for
both them and for me had I been a little bit more relaxed and far
quieter on the sidelines. You see, until recently, I was your typical
loud and obnoxious soccer dad. In the last few years, I have learned a
few hard lessons that have put me on the path to recovery.
To read the whole article "Confession of a Soccer Parent", click here.
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How to Deal with Rejection
Not making the cut for a sports team can be a major let-down to kids,
who are used to when they're little endless praise and being told
that they can accomplish anything they wish. These moments become even
more painful when the child has spent years training and rising within
his sport, only to be cut at the elite, competitive or later levels.
Additionally, this can have a major impact on the friendships he has
formed, and drastically change a social world that is so often formed
around sports.
Our children's rules have become ever increasingly dominated by new
levels of competitiveness in our activity-frenzied culture of
over-achievement. There is an underlying pernicious message our children
absorb: they must not be good enough just being, it's only through doing
that they validate themselves in your eyes and in those of their peers,
coaches, and teachers.
To read the whole article "How to Deal with Rejection", click here.
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Trophies, Awards, and Medals, Oh my!
 While
I was on the other end of the state with my U10 team trying to win a
tournament trophy, the coaches in our league decided to have a very
informative and spirited debate about end of season awards,
participation trophies, and alternatives. As season wrap up and teams
decide what to do across the country, I figured I'd pass on some of the
insights and discussion. The thread started with a coach who felt
participation trophies were getting out of hand and diminished the
meaning of any trophies the kids 'earned' by winning their division or a
tournament. The coach felt there were other alternatives available
To read the whole discussion on trophies, awards and
metals, click here.
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Water vs. Sports Drinks: What You Need to Know
By Peter Liu
Health & Your Life
Having trouble deciding what is best to drink during and after a
workout? Peter Liu helps make your decision easier. Do you prefer drinking
water or a sports drink of significantly more repute when you exercise?
The debate of the effectiveness of sports drinks over water has raged
for many decades. Both water and sports drinks each have many
supporters, and in terms of mutual effectiveness, both drinks are
supported with equal fervor.
However, the question still remains: Which drink reigns supreme? Does
water win out over the sports drink franchise? Or do the sports drinks
rule over the kingdom of hydrating liquids?
To read the entire article, click here.
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Soccer: A Sideline Guide for Parents
 2007 Publisher: James
MacLeod - Language: English - Country: Canada - Edition:
Fourth Edition
Since 1998, over 600 soccer clubs have purchased this guide for their
parents. The PDF download is intended for non profit youth soccer clubs.
Youth clubs may download a seasonal license for use in manuals and
newsletters. The full PDF can be viewed online at Soccerparent.com. This
book is not a rule book or a manual for making star players. It's meant
to help you and your child get the most out of the world's greatest
game.
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