Bringing Out The Best

To the Editor:

I would like to take the time to respond to Kim Harmon’s, “Bits & Pieces” concerning “(Too Much) Parental Involvement” in The Newtown Bee. I agree with you, Kim, there is and always will be an issue of too much parental involvement in sports. Competition brings out the best in players. I would like to take it a step further and say competition also brings out the “best” in parents. For some parents, it is the time to seize the opportunity to play the “complain” game. Some parents look to become detractors, to voice their opinion and complain about playing time, position placement, or a myriad of other issues. By displaying public displeasure, some parents hope it will get their child more recognition and playing time; in essence, they embarrass their children, making some look for the nearest hole to hide in. These parents become a cancer, spreading their disease amongst the ranks. You know who you are.

Some parents play the “schmooze” game. They seize the opportunity to gain special consideration for their child by tripping over and making fools of themselves at the same time. Don’t say it doesn’t happen, because it does. These are the same parents that smile and greet you, the coach, when they see you approaching, yet when you turn your back, they are the first to stab you. Many lack the gumption to face the truth. Instead, they hide behind a mask. You know who you are.

Why would a parent preach against a school’s sports program by making only negative comments, yet, when tryouts come around, lo and behold their child is present? Some will do anything to prevent others from playing. Competition brings out the very best in parents, doesn’t it? Some parents are brilliant strategists and play the “war” game. They have, much like a general in war, put together an excellent game plan. Moving undetected, these stealth parents have been able to go to places I thought were impossible to go. They manage to maneuver themselves into a position that I believe is very uncomfortable; I will let you draw your own conclusions as to where they place themselves. This shows that right here in Newtown, we have some of the finest military strategists to be found. All we need to do is give them a uniform and send them off to win our wars. You know who you are.

 It is unfortunate that some parents resort to such poor tactics. Some try to relive their youth through their children. I salute those who volunteer their time and give back something to their communities. One thing is for sure, we need to change those license plate frames because everything is not nicer in Newtown.

Richard Narel

18 Philo Curtis Road, Sandy Hook                        June 6, 2005