Here is a list of questions you should consider when your child begins playing in Clark Little league. If you can honestly answer yes to each one, you will find little trouble ahead.

Can you share your son or daughter?

This means trusting the coach to guide your child’s Oakville Little League experiences. It means accepting the coach’s authority and the fact that he or she may gain some of your child’s admiration that once was directed toward you.

Can you admit your shortcomings?

Sometimes we slip up as parents, our emotions causing us to speak before we think. We judge our child too hastily, perhaps only to learn later the child’s actions were justified. It takes character for parents to admit they made a mistake and to discuss it with their child.

Can you accept your child’s disappointments?

Sometimes being a parent means being a target for a child’s anger and frustration. Accepting your child’s disappointment also means watching your child play poorly during a game when all of his or her friends succeed, or not being embarrassed into anger when your 10-year-old breaks into tears after a failure. Keeping your frustration in check will help you guide your son or daughter through disappointments.

Can you accept your child’s triumphs?

This sound much easier than it often is. Some parents, not realizing it, may become competitive with their daughter or son, especially if the youngster receives considerable recognition. When a child plays well in a game, parents may dwell on minor mistakes, describe how an older brother or sister did even better, or boast about how they played better many years ago.

Can you give your child some time?

Some parents are very busy, even though they are interested in their child’s participation and want to encourage it. Probably the best solution is never to promise more than you can deliver. Ask about your child’s Clark Little league experiences, and make every effort to watch at least some games during the season.

Can you let your child make her or his own decisions?

Decisions making is an essential part of young person’s development, and it is a real challenge to parents. It means offering suggestions and guidance but finally, within reasonable limits, letting the child go his or her own way. All parents have ambitions for their children, but parents must accept the fact that they cannot mold their children’s lives. Little League offers parents a minor initiation into the major process of letting go.