We’ll often hear parents say that their child is their everything, their world. It’s understandable for parents to feel this way about their kids and it’s also natural for them to want to protect them from harm.
However, some parents reach a point where they start to delude themselves into believing that these little beings that they’ve raised are perfect in every way.
These are the kind of parents who ignore their child’s misbehavior’s or make excuses for them. They fight their kid’s battles. And you’ll most likely find them front row and center at every one of their children’s activities like plays or games.
Coaches of kids with parents who think they can do no wrong find themselves having to deal with these types of parents. Here are some tips on how to handle them:
Keep Your Cool
These types of parents are most likely the ones who would attend every practice if they could. And when they do, they’ll be paying close attention to the way you coach their child. They may even call you out if they feel that you are too hard on their child. Parents like these probably already think their kids are the best players on the team.
When dealing with difficult parents at practices or games, remember to keep your cool. If the parent appears frustrated, too protective, or is acting defensive, there’s no sense in trying to battle someone who truly believes their kid is the best. Instead, ask the parent to speak with you at another time in private.
Build Trust by Touching Base
After you’ve had a meeting with the parent, it’s ideal to touch base often so that you can build trust. Build a rapport with the parent. It’s difficult for parents to hear the truth about their kids. However, it may be easier for them if it is coming from someone they trust knows their child well and is as concerned about their future as they are.
Show You Care
Parents want to see that their kid’s coach cares about their performance and progress as much as they do. There’s not much you can do about the parent’s belief that they child is the best or a star athlete even if they are far from it. They may think that they’ll get their way with you because you show you care, leading them to believe you’re on their side. Actually, this just puts you in a better position to talk openly and be honest with the parents.
Establish Authority
Once you’ve got a good line of communication open with the parent, it will be easier for you to speak with authority when the time arises. Be confident if you ever need to approach a parent to discuss their child. Be prepared for some tension. Parents who believe their children are perfect in every way will not have an easy time hearing that their kid is flawed in any way.
Look at them directly in the eye. Speak in a professional manner that is assuring. Let the parent see that you are concerned for their child, and together, you can focus on their needs. When the parent recognizes that you are not judging their parenting skills and want to work together on resolving any issues, they’ll ease up.