Social Cruelty Part 1

Welcome

I was recently at a youth athletic event, and the adult/youth dynamic reminded me of how it is for parents, caretakers, and educators dealing with a child’s social vortex. The coaches, parents, etc, could only watch from the sidelines as the youth played.  The adults were yelling their encouragement, directions, etc. It was so loud that those who were playing could not understand a word anybody was saying. They just played. As the game went on, some rose to the challenge, some wilted under the pressure. An outstanding play was followed by a mistake. It was a close game, and every spectator was on the edge of their seat. This is what it is like to parent, teach, or care for an adolescent dealing with the inevitable social vortex. You are on the sidelines, you can’t intervene, you have to ride the emotional rollercoaster of their successes and challenges. You can coach and prepare, or review after the event. But once the game starts, you are a spectator.