Careful, The Kids Are Watching!

Last Friday afternoon I attended my sons wrestling match at a local elementary school.  He won his bout by forfeit and then quickly pinned a teammate in a friendly competition that allowed them to participate at the event.  The real story however, was the opposing schools coach. 

This guy was very animated throughout the competition and it quickly became clear that he had a bit of a temper.  Keep in mind that these are fourth through sixth grade kids, with parents who think they are coaches themselves, so as one of his wrestlers found himself being beaten pretty handily, he began yelling louder and louder at the kid.  One could argue that he was trying to yell over the parents and other wrestlers who were also shouting their own instructions, but what happened next was out of line.  The kid made a mistake and found himself pinned.  The coach yelled out, then spun around angrily and kicked a box that was nearby!  Everyone in the gym saw the outburst including all the kids.

It reminded me that whether we realize it or not, our actions are often seen by others.  While teachers and preachers, coaches and cops seem to have more responsibility in the public arena, in my opinion, we are all responsible for our reactions to situations and what people, especially kids see as a result.  I get that we are not perfect, but if a coach kicks a box in anger, how can we get mad at a kid for punching someone when something is done to them that they don't like?

So, next time you lose control of your temper, or are tempted to litter, cheat, steal, lie or commit some other error in judgment, remember to be careful because the kids may be watching!

Thanks for reading!  Click this link Don't Use a Hammer When A Flyswatter Will Do! to read another post about over reacting.