When Wrestling Parents React Emotionally to the Outcome of a Match
How a parent reacts to their child winning and losing wrestling matches is more impactful than one may think. A parent’s reactions sends a message about their belief system and what they value.
For example, if a parent overreacts after a loss the parent is signaling that winning is everything and their love is dependent on performance. If a parent provides special dinners, desserts, and treats after their child wins a tournament and does nothing if their child takes 2nd, 3rd, or no place they are signaling that they only value perfection.
In both of these examples, parents are using a form of carrot and stick motivation to teach their child a lesson. What’s more, as I have noted previously carrot and stick parenting is risky as kids learn that outcomes are what matter most even if it takes unethical behavior.
The best thing a wrestling parent can do for their child after their child wrestles is to keep emotions even-keeled after wins and losses. Treat both wins and losses the same by providing the same hugs and love after both. This is a classic example when it’s important to remember that kids learn more from what you do than from what you say.