Today was our first game of the new junior rugby league
season. I say junior but at under 16, most of the players tower over me. It is great
to see kids, especially at this age getting out onto a pitch and playing a sport.
Never, ever underestimate that. It is all too easy for teenagers to be
criticised for sitting in front of the television or being out drinking and
causing anti-social behaviour. However, what the media and the government fail
to highlight are the many thousands of kids that take part voluntarily in
sports, arts and other activities. It makes me cross when stereotypes are used
to make excuses for bad behaviour. I am a single mother but my boys have been
brought up with boundaries and know the difference between right and wrong. More
importantly they’ve been taught self-respect and integrity.
The concept of ‘never underestimate the power of ‘ME’’ is
second nature to my boys. Whatever they are involved in, they do it to the best
of their ability and that makes me burst with pride. I don’t care what they do
in life as long as they stay true to themselves and be the best they can be, and
they know that.
I was so impressed this week by a letter written to the
Times by an angry sixteen year old that was retweeted by Neil Henderson, the
BBC editor. The essence of the letter was brilliant and if you haven’t read,
please do. The link is http://www.buzzfeed.com/tasneemnashrulla/a-16-year-old-wrote-an-angry-letter-to-the-times-about-how-t
. I couldn’t agree with it more.
Every child enters this world with nothing, no preconceived
ideas of how life should be. Tell a
child they are useless and they will believe it. Tell a child there is no hope
and they will believe it. However, teach them self-worth and self-belief and
see how far they can rise to the top. There
is no hard and fast way of teaching a child how to live their life but I make
no apology whatsoever for “bigging” my kids achievements up. Why shouldn’t I? Kids should be able to rely on their parents
for support, boundaries and encouragement. Society seems very good and
very quick to point out what children are doing wrong. How about we tell them
when they have got it right?
Teachers academically educate my children. My role as a Mum
is to help them become successful and valuable members of society. Rugby league
is one sport that is head and shoulders above the rest for instilling life
skills such as dispute resolution, team work, self-belief and self-worth. Let’s
hope the adults in rugby league remember these concepts this season.
My children are well rounded members of our community, they
don’t always get it right but when do any of us?? They do not need to be in
school 8am until 6pm. They are part of lots of clubs and societies outside
school and they are doing just fine with me as their role model!
I was incredibly proud today that my son deflected taunting
from adults on the touchline and he gave 100% as he always does. He tells me
the bust nose, sore jaw and cut knees are worth it! I will have to take his
word for that.
Good luck to every child who is working hard to achieve their
goals, whatever that may be.
No comments:
Post a Comment