"If you play that bad again, I will not come to see you again" - Parent

A young kid is playing football. Following the match, his father goes to his son and tells him: "If I see you playing this bad again, I will not come to see you again".

The young kid would likely feel a mix of emotions, ranging from disappointment to hurt and perhaps even a fear. Firstly, he might feel disappointed in himself for not meeting his father's expectations on the field. The desire to impress and make his father proud is a common sentiment among children, especially in activities like sports where parental support and approval can mean a lot.

Moreover, hearing his father's words would likely hurt the kid deeply. It's natural for children to seek validation and encouragement from their parents, and being told that his father might not come to see him play again could feel like a rejection or a lack of belief in his abilities. This could potentially damage his self-esteem and confidence, especially if he looks up to his father as a role model.

So what other ways could this parent have addressed his son's negative performance?

1. Encouraging Feedback: "Hey son, I noticed you seemed a bit off your game today. Remember, everyone has their off days, but what's important is that you keep trying your best. I believe in you, and I know you'll bounce back stronger next time."

2. Constructive Criticism: "Son, I saw a few areas where you could improve during the game today. Keep working hard during training sessions to address these issues. I'm here to support you and help you become the best player you can be."

3. Affirming Belief: "Even though today's match didn't go as planned, I want you to know that I'm always proud of you, win or lose. You're still learning and growing as a player, and I'll always be here cheering you on every step of the way."

4. Setting Goals Together: "Hey champ, let's have a chat about what we can do to help you perform better in future matches. How about we set some goals together and come up with a plan to achieve them? I'll be right here to support you every step of the way."

5. Emphasizing Enjoyment: "I noticed you seemed a bit down after the match. Remember, the most important thing is that you're out there having fun and enjoying yourself. Don't be too hard on yourself. We'll work on your skills together, but let's not forget to have a good time while doing it."

Remember, words' effects can last a lifetime - make sure they make your children strong.