Oct 19

Parenting Corner – I Have an Artistic Child

Q. Our son is very sensitive and artistic, and my husband think he needs sports to “toughen him up” and insists he participate in two sports a year.  My son wants to please his Dad, so he does it, but he’s not happy.  I feel torn in the middle, what do I do?  

A. Great question! Often we parent based on our behavioral style rather than our kids behavioral style, meaning we want them to fit into a mold we create instead of letting them establish their own sense of self.  There are many benefits to kids engaging in sports, however “toughing up” a sensitive child is not one that will serve your husband or your son well.  Having a child comply to do extracurricular activities instead of picking what interests him is counter-intuitive and is likely to negatively impact his self-confidence.  It’s important to encourage your son to explore different athletic opportunities with a focus on health, the benefits of being on a team and having fun.  Get resourceful by making a list of all the different sports he could try – think out of the box by including rock-climbing, fencing, martial arts and dancing along with some of the more traditional sports like baseball and basketball.  Let him try a new sport every season until he finds something that is the right fit for him.  It’s also important to connect with your son’s natural interest as a way to boost his self-confidence.  The best way to “toughen” a kid is to fill him with resourcefulness and confidence so he can face any challenge the world brings his way.

Laura Treonze, serves as Chief Life Strategist with LMT Consulting, which helps executives and teams create massive success through self-awareness. Her life-changing approach has transformed individuals and families and has redefined the way non-profits and corporations “do” business.