Sports Day is one of the most exciting and important events at any school.
My children’s school even dedicated the first half of the day three weeks before the actual day to training and march pasts (parade rehearsal).
I remember how excited my kids were when they came home to tell me and their dad that they had been chosen to participate in the sports games for their Rumah Sukan.
Since it’s their first sports day in primary school, I was thinking about how I could be more involved. I wanted them to know that I support all their school activities.
The plan kind of went with the flow. I didn’t know what to do at first, but things just fell into place after a while. Want to know how and what I did to support my children?
Follow along as I tell you all about it below.
Supported My Kids in Their Training for Sports Day
After learning that my children had been selected for some of the event’s games, I began preparing whatever they would require during their training sessions.
They’ve always wanted extra water and snacks because they get hungry after being out in the sun training.
I even gave my kids some extras so they could share them with their friends.
At home, I made an effort to learn how the games were played so that I could assist them in practise.
My eldest daughter is particularly competitive, so she was eager for me to assist her in her training.
They were just simple games that they entered but they were very interested in them. I make time to ensure they have enough training and understand what they need to do for that Sports Day.
Other ways I’ve discovered that we can support our children are as follows:
- During difficult or stressful times, emotional support is especially important. We must be available to them as someone to whom they can turn. Emotional support must be unconditional and not dependent on how well we believe our child is performing or competing.
- Focus on effort and personal improvement over the outcome to avoid anxiety and even decreased motivation to stay involved. Helping our children understand that we value their efforts above all else, and reinforcing when they improve, is critical, especially when they are young and still learning how to compete.
- Allowing children some freedom and independence within boundaries promote independence. We can experiment with giving the children more freedom as they demonstrate personal responsibility.
- Communicate and share goals to support our children’s athletic goals. Some children may aspire to excel and reach high levels in sports. Others may simply want to enjoy the experience of participating without aspirations of reaching a high level.
(Source: Active for Life)
Joined the Sports Day Committee
One day I was thinking about how I could help even more on this Sports Day while also supporting my children. Suddenly, a message came in the parents’ Telegram group looking for the sports committee.
Without hesitation, I opened the form and registered to join. I’m not sure why, but I’m psyched and contented that I got to help out with the event.
We had our first meeting online. Then, we all met in person at the venue about two days before Sports Day.
It was wonderful to meet the other parents who had volunteered to serve on the committee.
We even got our own shirts! My job was to stand near the finish line and jotted down the winners before bringing the results to the main score tent.
I was overjoyed when I found out I was in charge of the lower primary classes – standard 1, 2, and 3 – because it meant I could stay on the track near my kids.
Instead of having to cheer from the sideline. So, joining the committee worked out perfectly for me. My kids’ expressions when I approached them to give them a high-five and a pep talk before their games were priceless.
They were both surprised and delighted that I was visible.
I would gladly rejoin the sports committee the next time my children have their Sports Day.
It was not only enjoyable, but it also made me feel satisfied that I was given the responsibility of ensuring that everything ran smoothly during the event.
I’ve always wanted to be a part of an event like this, so the fact that I get to be there for the kids and see them having fun and holding the medals up close is beyond words. It’s just too special.
Cheered for My Kids in Sports They Participated
Because I was at the finish line waiting to record the results, I had ample opportunity to cheer for my children.
Even if I wasn’t on the committee, I would still cheer for my kids. I’d like them to hear me cheering and calling their names so they know they have my full support.
What’s important was how I told them before the game that it doesn’t matter if they win or lose; what matters most is that they’ve tried their best.
By the way, I’d like to emphasise the importance of rooting for your children. Not just for sports, but for everything they do in life.
Cheering on your child in everyday situations, even the smallest ones, is critical to their overall confidence.
It’s the same as when you praise your children, which encourages them to be more motivated and confident in their ability to achieve their goals.
So, cheering for children goes a long way because it encourages them, which, according to Utah State University, actually improves their behaviour. Parents can take a non-judgmental approach by encouraging their children.
Instead of evaluating the child, encouraging statements tend to highlight specific facts or processes.
Children who grow up in an encouraging environment develop a stronger sense of self-motivation and pride in themselves, with less concern for pleasing others.
After all, I’m glad I could be part of the event to support my kids through their Sports Day.
My husband, who was busy that day, also made it after work to be there for the kids. It was a truly blessed experience.
My Message: Make Time for Your Kids, Always
Even if we are busy, as parents, we must always make time to be present for our kids.
We want them to feel important and that we value them above all else. So, parents, if your children have a sports day or other school activities coming up, make every effort to attend.
They’ll be really happy to see you there 😉
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