HOT TOPICS

First PARENT LIKE A CHAMPION^TM Program a Success

It was a hot, humid Saturday afternoon in Austin, Texas. Parents reluctantly filed into Holy Family School gymnasium to attend a required Parent Like A Champion Today^TM workshop. An air of discontent hangs over the group. A parent comments, "I can't believe my child can't play sports here if I don't attend this workshop."

The dissention in the group quickly dissipates as the workshop begins and parents begin to engage in lively, interactive presentations and discussions on "What is happening in youth sports today," "What is a champion?" and "How do I help my child develop as a champion in sports?"

The post-workshop evaluations prove the effectiveness of the Parent Like A Champion Today^TM workshop. Of the Austin area parents attending, 97% were satisfied with the workshop experience, and 95% indicated they will fully implement the PLC approach to parenting their child athlete. 90% of parents indicated they would recommend the workshop to other parents. One parent commented to the instructor, "I thought of this workshop as a waste of my time, but I no longer see it that way. I learned so much on how to be a more effective parent with my child in sports." Other parents commented:

• I am glad that this is required. I think both parents should be required to attend.
• Everything was very well done and informative.
• This was a reminder of how my behavior and interaction with my child affects her through sports.
• I am excited about the program. I like the statistical basis for the points in the class, the strong faith connection, and the clear, specific recommendations.
• Yes, this made me think. I know I am not one of "those" parents, but it made me think of what kind of a parent i am and what I want to portray.