Headlines From The Nation's Press

Each week we open the show with some of the most glaring and reoccurring stories chronicling the ugliness surrounding youth sports organized by adults; issues pertaining to our children's health and education. These headlines clap like thunder across the country signaling a warning to parents, coaches, administrators, lawmakers, and community stakeholders that widespread change is imperative.

My good friend, and frequent guest on the show, Professor Doug Abrams of the College of Law at the University of Missouri, will add you to his daily mailing list of these stories. Simply email Doug and ask him to add your name to the list.

The Main(e) Event

Professor Bill Gayton, from the University of Southern Maine, is a well-known psychologist, "who lover sports." Each summer, Bill runs a 3-day seminar at USM, Portland, on "sports psychology" featuring some of the most noted sports psychologists from across the country. That's where I met Bill's long-time friend and colleague from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Dr. John Silva. If you are a parent or coach who wants to know what "motivation" is, and what really makes your kids excel or never live up to their "potential," this is for you. What happens when we make a young athlete associate his or her self-esteem with success in sports and winning? Want to know the difference between athletes who fear failure and Tiger Woods, who has a high need to achieve?

We'll also be talking about the "over-identified" parent or fan, and learning about WHY they act the way they do. As a parent, you will want to hear what these experts have to say about what your kids really need from you!

Podcast Update

I'm experimenting with Podcasting the weekly show. Since I'm self-taught, the learning curve is steep at this point. Nevertheless, there are three "sample clips" of the show that can be listened to and downloaded at:

 http://www.thecenterforkidsfirst.org/Podcasts.htm

I would appreciate any and all feedback, especially with regards to which player your browser used, i.e. Windows Media Player, Quick Time, etc. Were you able to download and save the file? How long did it take to download/play? What was the quality of the sound?

Once I figure out the best way to do this, anyone, anywhere will be able to listen to the show whenever it is convenient.

The Coaching Tip Of The Week

Remember: 1) These are just kids. Don't treat them like adults.  2) Make no mistake! It's about them having fun. Not you! It's not your game, so be sure you don't take it away from them. 3) First and foremost, you are a teacher and a role model. The most important lessons you teach will have nothing to do with the game you are coaching. 4) Never get angry or holler at your kids with an angry or impatient tone. Remember, there are two kinds of "holler:" a good holler to get their attention, and a bad holler that expresses anger, frustration, and disappointment. And 5) Be positive in all of your comments. Always focus on what the child did right even if it was just going up to the plate without crying!

This week's Tip: Visit the website, use the "Coaching Tips" link or just click on the link below to see my Tips for Coaches. These tips come from my 48 hour Coaching Development Workshop and have nothing to do with X's and O's or game winning strategies. These tips are all about your professional and personal development as a teacher of kids who happen to be organized for playing a sport.

http://www.thecenterforkidsfirst.org/CoachTipsArchives.htm

The Parent Trap

Check out my blog on Mainetoday.com for some interesting articles, and comments from readers.

 http://www.mainetoday.com/kidsfamily/blogs/kidsfirst/008162.html Your comments are appreciated and wanted.

We invite our listeners to call in and share their views.

Listeners can take part in the show by calling:

207-775-2217 or 1-866-811-9505.

or email me during the show at:

theregistremblayshow@hotmail.com