the opportunity magazine oct 2012

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� the opportunity magazine

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Table of ConTenTsPlease Don’t Rush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

You Are Beautiful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Gina Brown Paints A Beautiful Story . . . . . . . . . . 10

Oxford Lake Is Growing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Am I Too Young To Love Him . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

No Texting And Driving Campaign (TTYL Tour) . . . 14

Walk Away From Bullying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Make It Last Forever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

True Love Is Unconditional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Transition From High School to College . . . . . . . 21

Good Sportsmanship vs .

Out-Of-Control Parents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22


The O Magazine is a new, regional publication serving the Greater Calhoun, Etowah & Talladega counties. It is a publication that delivers passionate, creative, and complete coverage of the communities for which it is published. The goal is to embody the character, the voice, and the spirit of its readers. The O is a versatile source that gives communities a place to read, write, and learn about themselves and the surrounding areas. The O balances hard news reporting with creative literary journalism. Through in-depth features, community discourse, local and national news coverage, original and comprehensive articles, event listings, and charitable causes, The O delivers to its readers defined and diverse sections in which to explore and embrace their neighborhood. This magazine will be for the entire family: fun for the kids, cool enough for the teens, sports coverage for dad and awesome articles for mom.

The O also strives to ignite youth involvement in the community with its innovative design and creative cultural content that will expose them to the history and current affairs of the country, and excite them to participate in its future. As a community magazine The O supports aspiring talented writers, bloggers, designers, editors, or just a people interested in print or broadcast media by offering them the opportunity to exercise, contribute, and develop their skills to help launch successful careers. To apply send a resume, cover letter and work sample to [email protected].

Finally a magazine just for us!Own a local business? Great! We have several affordable

packages with flexible payments plans. If you are interested in branding your company and increasing your bottom line, contact us first at [email protected]

The O Magazine…Where your vision becomes ours!

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PUBLISHeRLen Jae

DIReCTOR OF OPeRATIONSRobert Goodwin

eDITOR AND CHIeFBoyace Jajuan Pope

COPY eDITORAmanda Snyder

exeCUTIveASSISTANT

Trese Mashburn

CReATIveDIReCTOR

Kelvin Chappell

SOCIAL MeDIA DIReCTORNoah Williams

PHOTOGRAPHY DIReCTOR

OJ Rice

CONTACT US:Office: 256.770.7199Fax: 256.770.7199

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6 the opportunity magazine

please don’TRush!!!


By: Boyace JaJuan PoPe

A little of over eight years ago “old people” tried to convince me to enjoy high school, especially my senior year because I would look back and discover that my high school years were some of the best years of my life. Yeah right! Between class work, homework, my rigorous choir schedule, my organizations and being somewhat socially awkward – I could hardly see how I would look back on any of it and smile. Everyday as I passed the sign and counted down the days we had to graduation, I found myself wishing there was a fast-forward button located somewhere so I could get to the freedom of my college years. I figured that college was full of people like me and somewhere amongst the thousands of young, eager minds I would find my set of lifelong friends. May 20, 2004, my wish was granted and my parents cried as I high fived my friends and discussed the events of the night. At the time I thought my parents were shedding tears because their first born child had reached one of the many milestones that they had hoped I would but as I look back as an adult; I realize that those tears were for me and the world that they knew I would be facing as an unprepared teenager. Later that night, I collected my cards and without reading them or thanking those who gave them to me, I counted my beautiful green presents. I then hugged my parents who only warned that I be safe and return home at a reasonable hour. On the inside I cheered, this was the first time that I did not have a curfew since I had been born. My phone rang continuously as other excited teens called to inform me of who of us was having the hottest party. That night I caught a glimpse of the person I was to become. Before 10:00 I found myself safely at home with a pizza and two

movies. For all that time I had felt the need to have some unleashed freedom and when I finally obtained it, I returned earlier than even my parents expected. I discovered that I just wasn’t the person that I wanted so desperately to be and then college happened.

You know that book they give you in first grade that asks, “Which of these things don’t belong?” That was me attempting to blend in at the club – still very much awkward and about as smooth as spoiled milk but I was still trying to find my way. A couple

more years would roll by before I finally discovered that I, by design, was not a

partier. Now that you’ve read this brief biography, you’re

probably wondering what is the point. The point is this, those “old people” were right. This is the only time in your life were you will be guaranteed to see your friends five days a week. This will be the

only time in your life that if you want to hang with those

same friends that they won’t have to “get back with you” after

checking work schedules, checking with spouses, finding babysitters and such

like. So enjoy it. Please don’t waste so much time trying to fit in with the “cool kids” because years from now, you’ll barely remember their names or faces. As I draw closer to my ten year reunion, I can tell you what happens to a lot of the “cool kids” – their lives are cut short prematurely after a few bad decisions, they become inmates and many of them just become lost because they spend the rest of their lives seeking the popularity of their high schools years.

So if you have taken nothing else from this article then grasp this and hold on to it for dear life: You are awesome as is, change nothing about yourself to fit in with people that add nothing to your life. Remember: all the “cool kids” work for Bill Gates now, mostly as janitors.

“WhICh OFThESE ThINGS

dON’T BELONG?

”


By: Kaylyn Pate crossroads christian school Moody, al

So single girls, let’s be honest you know that sometimes we all wish that we had a love like of those only heard of in fairytales. We all want our Prince Charming to come into our lives, be a modern day Romeo, sweep us right off of our feet! I mean after all we are princesses and we deserve to be treated like the royalty we are. Sadly, in today’s society it seems hard enough to find a single decent guy, much less our own Prince Charming! Sometimes this can become so frustrating and absurd that you just want to pull your hair out! Sometimes I just want to have a Bonnie Tyler moment and say “where have all the good guys gone…where are all the gods? “ haha! But seriously, where did the gentlemen, leaders and all around good guys go to? When did it become absurd for guys to hold the door open, respect girls, meet out parents, treat us like the princesses we are? What happened to THAT and why and when did it become so rare? My theory on this question is this: I think that slowly but surely we as females have become our worst enemies. I think that the reason we don’t see much respect form the opposite sex is for many reasons, but I think one of the biggest is because of this; we don’t respect ourselves! how you may ask? Well for example, by dressing immodestly , treating people’s hearts and emotions like a video game because we have been told to focus on the quantity

of people we can “get” rather than the quality. We have lowered our standards and have become our own worst enemy. We have not learned to love ourselves , yet we expect someone else to? We have not learned to love ourselves because we have focused on the negative lies that the media has fed us. The lies about that if we are not 5’5, 110 lbs., blonde haired and blue eyed that we are not pretty. Let me just stop and tell you that no matter what people may tell you, no matter what the media sells you, no matter what you think, YOU are BEAUTIFUL! Why? Because just as we are told in Ephesians 2:10- We are God’s MASTERPIECE. In Genesis 1:27 it tells us that we are created in His IMAGE! Do you understand how astounding and magnificent that truly is? We are created by the Creator of the Universe and in hIS image! What I am getting to with this is that in order for others to respect you, to love you, to see your beauty, first we must learn to love and respect ourselves. I believe that if we chose to do this, to carry ourselves with dignity and grace, we would not only be set apart but that we would attract a guy worth having and keeping! It might not be in our time; but I can assure you that it will happen in his time! I mean think about it, who’s timing could be more perfect than that of the One who created time itself? Until that time comes, learn to love yourself, be patient and remember that everything good comes in due season!

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..” – Ecclesiastes 3:1

You aRebeauTiful

�0 the opportunity magazine

Gadsden area artist, Gina Brown, is a great storyteller. In fact, her life is a beautiful story of faith and an all-American dream blessed by God-given talent. From a young age Gina loved art. She had a desire to major in Fine Arts at Jacksonville State University, but realized it might not be very practical for making a living in east Alabama. She opted for degrees in graphic design and marketing, but loved to venture by the fine art classes and watch the carefree artists at work.

In fact, she remembers being inspired by the scriptures to pursue her dreams. “In the fall of 2008, I had a dream where I heard “First Thessalonians 4:11,” explains Brown. “I didn’t know what the verse said, but I told myself when I got up, I’d find out. So while in the shower, I heard the same verse again in my mind... very clearly. But you know how your mind works (especially if you’re a woman) so I got out and forgot all about looking up the verse. Then while I was running errands that day, I was crossing over our town’s river bridge and clearly heard the verse again in my mind. This time, I called my dad and asked him to look up the verse for me. He read it to me.”

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you.”

Later that same year Gina’s husband, Vann, asked

what she would like for Christmas. Gina answered that she would love to go to one of those places where you could paint in one night and bring your painting home. Vann decided his beautiful wife deserved something a little more long term. he invested in her dream by giving her art classes. Gina has made the most of the opportunity.

Gina Brown Art has become very successful. Her style as an oil painter is majestic. In her blog, she comments that her heart is the way she tells stories. Gina is a terrific example of someone who never gave up on a dream or her talent. Brown travels to art shows around the southeast to display her work, and loves to be inspired by the natural beauty of life.

Gina and her husband, Vann Brown, live in Glencoe and are proud parents of Austin, Mason and Blaire. Many of Gina’s paintings reflect her dedication to family and faith. Gina’s advice to anyone who has a dream in his or her heart is to pray about it and follow God’s lead. This local artist is not limited by geography. She has created a wonderful website and blog to promote her beautiful art. Take the time to be inspired and amazed by Gina Brown Art. Visit her website at www.ginabrownart.com and her blog www.ginabrownart.blogspot.com.

As the great Vincent Van Gogh stated, “I dream of painting, and then I paint my dream.”

Gina bRown painTsa beauTiful sToRY

www.theomagazine.com ��

By: aManda snyder

Exciting changes are coming to Oxford’s top recreational spot! The Oxford Civic Center’s renovations are nearing completion. The 7.7 million dollar project is due to be finished in December. The building, built in 1975, will see improvements to the existing facilities as well as a two-story addition that will include meeting rooms and rest rooms. The new meeting rooms will be able to hold over 300 people. The gym will acquire space-saving retractable bleachers, a refinished floor, and improved acoustic equipment. Not to mention the new redbrick façade, which will be very attractive to locals, visitors and even motorists driving down I-20.

As these upgrades near completion, more have been approved for the surrounding recreational facilities. The city council has also approved a nearly 3 million-dollar project for Oxford Lake, which they anticipate to be completed before the summer season. Improvements will include a new, smoother walking track, a large water fountain, and an extended parking lot. Contractors will also take steps to prevent further erosion of the lake walls and island. These steps will include a cement barrier to be added to the walls of the shore around the outside of the lake and the island, as well as replacing the

rotting retaining walls with plastic pilings. Perhaps the most exciting upgrade, however, will be the pavilions. Two new pavilions are expected to be built which will sit out over the lake, but there will be safety railing in place to prevent anyone from falling into the water. These pavilions will hold up to 100 people.

With all these new developments some council members, including the Mayor, have turned their attention to the white-block pool house, which will look outdated once the improvements are finished. hopefully, it will receive a face-lift as well. Whether or not the city finds it in the budget to re-brick the pool house, locals are eager to view and use the new, improved Oxford Lake and Civic Center.

oxfoRd lake is GRowinG

�� the opportunity magazine

am i Too YounGTo love him?

(because he’s slighTly Older)

www.theomagazine.com �3

By alexis littlesoPhoMore at Pinson Valley hs

Though the prospect of finding eternal and everlasting love, the kind that could transcend all, had always interested me I never gave much consideration to how or when I would fall. I always thought it would be like in the books. Guy meets girl, girl falls instantly, and guy catches her and sweeps her off her feet into a world of cheesy romance and clumsy (though true) love. I never would’ve imagined I would be the one who would fall flat on my face, looking up at the guy no one would ever expect, the one that was forever out of my grasp.

Most say that age is just a number, but is it really? It seems to be more of a sort of label. Until the age of eighteen, you are absolutely a child. It doesn’t matter the length of your legs, the soul and

wisdom behind your eyes, or the size of your off-kilter heart. You are a child, and

will not be viewed as more than such until reaching that sacred age. So

imagine my horror when I find myself broken by love, not for another child like me but for a man. A man, who has

long passed the sacred age, while I’m still helplessly bound by society’s label. do you know how bad it hurt? Can you imagine how hard I sobbed or how many times I swore that my heart was literally splitting? It felt

as if two magnets with relentless pull were drawing me apart. I

tried so many times to tell myself that it was alright, I could find my bearings

again if I simply let him go. Easier said than done. Letting him go and trying to push him out of my life was about as pleasurable as driving a wedge between the meat and fingernails at the tips of your hands. So once I realized I had to have him, I swore to myself that having him as a friend would be better than losing him forever. Once again, I was wrong.

I watched him grow and change, moving between girls, falling in and out of love, and more than anything, watch him ache for the same things I was. But through all of this, I stood by this man. I pulled him up when he was down. I dusted him off, and doctored the wounds left by women who were too blind and dumb to see the jewel they had left behind in their careless wake. And through all these ups and downs, I continued to love him, and the love continued to grow until it was all consuming.

Now the thought of letting him go is unbearable, but so is the thought of remaining in this state of brokenness. I am caught between a rock and a hard place; I am in a state of limbo. Either option is as painful as the other, and probably both will be detrimental to me. But the solace I can find in this desperation that has become my existence is his laugh and his happiness. When he tells me how much he loves and cares for me (even though I know that it isn’t the kind of love and care I want from him or what I need in the least) it’s like a painkiller. It helps for a little while, easing (and if strong enough) numbing the pain. But then as the echoes of his laugh, the sight of his smile, and the touch of his “friendly” embrace begin to fade, the aches return in crushing blows. The kinds of blows that make you curl up with your childhood stuffed animal, and cry the pain away. They make you curse yourself (and him) for ever having let the paths of your lives intersect. Now that I need him more, I find more relief in our moments together, but then, soon after I find more pain than I ever thought one person could survive. And so is the torturous cycle that is my life. And all for the sake of the love of a man who doesn’t even know I’ve ever shed a tear in his name.


no TexTinG and dRivinG CampaiGn

(TTyl TOur cOMing TO yOur schOOl)


Most of us know that a distracted driver is a dangerous driver. So many people are dying or sustaining irreversible injuries due to texting while driving. Not only is it against the law, but also now the numbers are proving it conclusively.

The numbers come from an analysis at the University of North Texas School of public health, published in the American Journal of Public health.

The study showed that 16,000 drivers were killed by handset use between 2001 and 2007. That is equal to about six people dying every day from cell phone related accidents.

Why is texting, or talking, while driving so dangerous, and what are we doing to save those six lives which are needlessly lost every day?

First, why is cell phone handset use so dangerous and sometimes fatal for drivers? Probably the main reason is because driving is a full-time job. And while the brain is an amazing thing, it does have its limits. There is only so much information it can cope with at any given moment (hence why no one can truly multi-task properly!), and it will deal with tasks in a more linear fashion rather than in a parallel manner.

This means while you’re reading that text that’s just come through on your phone and trying to understand the joke, your brain isn’t overly conscious of the fact that the car in front of you has come to a complete stop. We all know what happens next.

You might think you can handle reading a harmless text while driving, but tests have shown otherwise. A study performed by Car & Driver Magazine (unscientific by their own admission) compared braking results between normal driving, driving while reading a text, while writing a text, and under the influence of several alcoholic drinks. The results threw up some surprising results; texting worsened reaction times by 600% compared to someone impaired by alcohol. Reading texts was actually more dangerous than writing them. Even the “best” results for texting while driving still resulted in traveling an extra four feet than non-distracted driving, which can be the difference between a near miss and a solid hit resulting in possibly injury or at least an expensive trip to the shop for your car.

Texting while driving is a growing trend, and a national epidemic. It is quickly becoming one of the country’s top killers. drivers assume they can handle texting while driving and remain safe, but the numbers don’t lie.

TexTing WhileDriving Causes:

1. 1,600,000 accidents per year – 2. 330,000 injuries per year – 3. 11 teen deaths EVERY DAY 4. Nearly 25% of ALL car accidents

TexTing WhileDriving is:

1. About 6 times more likely to cause an accident than driving intoxicated2. The same as driving after 4 beers3. The number one driving distraction reported by teen drivers

TexTing WhileDriving:

1. makes you 23 times more likely to crash 2. Is the same as driving blind for 5 seconds at a time3. Takes place by 800,000 drivers at any given time across the country4. Slows your brake reaction speed by 18% 5. Leads to a 400% increase in drivers with their eyes off the road

All facts, figures, and statistics provided by the following entities:www.gpssystems.net, National Safety Council, harvard Center for Risk Analysis Study, Insurance Institute for hwy Safety Fatality Facts, Insurance Institute for hwy Safety Fatality Facts, National hwy Transportation Safety Administration, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute & human Factors & Ergonomics Society, and were interpreted for the purposes of writing this article by Robert Goodwin.

Don’T Take ourWorD for iT… CheCk ouT

the national stats!


walk awaYfRom bullYinG


According to www.bullyfree.com every thirty minutes a teenager attempts suicide due to bullying. In fact, the leading cause

of death under the age of 14 is suicide. Bullying may have been once described as a rite of passage, but today evidence proves it is a growing epidemic. What could possibly cause someone to push another person to the brink of harming themselves? Given our progress as a society, do we truly have such little value for human life?

As a man who has battled with Bipolar Disorder for the last 35 years, I have certainly endured my share of bullying and suffered first-hand the effects on my self esteem. The justification of making yourself feel better by emotionally or physically assaulting another person is incomprehensible. The steps being taken to reduce or even eliminate bullying from our schools are an absolute necessity.

When a person becomes an adult and is gainfully employed, they are usually orientated by a human resource representative about non-discriminatory and equal employment laws. Fellow workers may not be bullied based on their sex, age, race, religion, etc. We cannot afford to make excuses for allowing these violations to occur in our schools with our children.

Most conflicts, arguments, physical altercations, etc. have two sides. Someone may start the fight with words, actions, or disrespectful behavior and the actual reaction may be deemed as bullying. This scenario is the reason so many people use the excuse, “my kid didn’t start it,” or “kids will be kids.” Negative behavior must be corrected at home and in the classroom. We are all responsible for our behavior, and we must accept that accountability without blaming others.

depression impacts people of all ages, races, and both genders. As the stress and pressures of everyday life increase, it is important to reduce the number of environmental factors that can cause manic episodes or the onset of symptoms. As an advocate for mental wellness, I have traveled to speak with various groups and remind them the golden rule applies to all of us.

The commitment to end bullying begins in our neighborhoods, schools, churches and homes. If you are tempted to bully another person, look into their eyes, put yourself in their shoes, and walk away.

Negative behavior must be corrected at home and in the classroom. We are all responsible for our behavior, and we must accept that accountability

without blaming others.


make iTlasT foReveR


By: Boyace JaJuan PoPe

I was convinced that I was the best boyfriend any girl could have had in high school. I was guilty of sneaking kisses at break, joining the same organizations so we can sit beside each other on field trips, sliding notes in her locker and buying her homecoming t-shirt; all in an attempt to make sure that her girlfriends were always saying to her, “Girl,

Boyace is like the best boyfriend ever!!! You guys are definitely going the distance…girl, that’s your husband.” Oh yeah, I was definitely the guy who made other boyfriends look like they were such underachievers and I did so because I was “in love”.

I had mastered the arts of: handholding, quick smooching, letter writing, late night phone calling and

most important of all, gazing deeply in her eyes and whispering the words, “I love you boo.” I thought I was a shoe in for a lasting relationship because I had given all of my young and available heart to this young lady. So imagine the disappointment I had when I discovered that my parents didn’t feel like we would last past high school. My dad said, “Son, someday you’re going to look back on some people you date in school and ask yourself, what was I thinking?” I was determined not to let *Amber be one of those girls. I had convinced myself that I could prove my parents wrong and that *Amber, in fact would someday be their daughter-in-law. Wrong! We didn’t make it to graduation.

My point: high school is much too early to have a serious relationship. Why? It’s simple really; in high school you have no idea whom you are to become

and where that journey will lead you to. I hear some of your thoughts already, but my parents met in high school and they are still together! Well, consider them the blessed minority and I would be lying if I didn’t inform you that, most of you would not make it. In fact, of your entire class that are currently in relationships (that you consider serious) one, maybe two of the couples will be together when you return as “old people” for your ten-year reunion. This is the harsh reality of high school dating.

Though, I know most of you will totally disregard the contents of this piece, a few of you will take notice to the fact that I am only a few years older than you and that I just might have a slight point. My hope is that I keep a few of you from turning your pillows into giant washable tissues and get you to reinvest the time that you would have spent chasing after some cute boy or hot girl – studying, getting involved in a few of the various organizations available on your campus, picking up a new sport or developing a skill or talent that you have. I hope you listen, a few years from now you might thank me.

“Son, somedayyou’re going to

look backon some people

you date inschool and ask

yourself,what was Ithinking?

”


have you noticed how much easier it is to love someone who loves you in return? Of course you have; it’s what we expect. Unfortunately, there are times when our acts of love and kindness are not reciprocated. Then what?

The solution to this dilemma is really quite simple when we look at God’s Word (I said simple, not easy). Romans 5:8 tells us: This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other (NLT). This is what loving unconditionally is all about. If you will recall, the definition of agape, the God-kind of love, is doing what benefits others. This is the kind of love this scripture is speaking of. In other words, it doesn’t matter so much what your spouse does or doesn’t do, you must still choose to love. And there are risks involved.

The risk we take when we choose to love unconditionally is rejection. That is the risk God took when, while we were still in our sin, Jesus died for us. Being the omniscient God he is, he knew that many would reject that love. That, however, did not stop him. he was still willing to take the risk.

Remember, God did not wait until we were perfect before He gave us His greatest sacrifice. He loved us as though we already were! As challenging as that sounds, he wants us to do the same. Trust me, this cannot be done in our own human power; it requires the power of God.

When you choose to do things God’s way and love unconditionally, he blesses your obedience. Scripture teaches us that to know God is to love him, and to love God is to obey him.

Take the risk. Show the love. It will reap great rewards. You may not see all of them immediately, but if you are faithful to obey God’s promise is sure.

TRue love is unCondiTional

Do you love yourmate the way GoD

loves you?

www.theomagazine.com ��

By Brittney and Whitney KnoxUpon coming to Auburn University, I kind of

already knew what to expect. I had attended a program over the summer at the university; so I already knew what it would be like to live away from home for a month at a time. When move-in day finally came, my family along with the help of two of my aunts packed the cars the night before we were scheduled to move in. That morning we made the trek to Auburn. We had double the load that a normal college student would have because my sister and I are both roommates. Once everything was in the room and all set up, my sister and I said goodbye to our parents and then our college experience really began.

The first few days of college were devoted to hanging out with friends and meeting new people, which wasn’t too hard with the large amount of incoming freshmen. Since classes hadn’t begun everyone was free to do as they liked. The weeklong event was called welcome week. It was a lot of fun. The different events they had planned out over the course of the week were a good way to connect with people. The events ranged from eating pizza at the presidents house to watching a talent show. Some

other enjoyable activities was reminiscing about the music and favorite childhood shows and antics of the 90’s dance where I played one of the biggest twister games I had ever seen with about twenty other people. Another one of my favorite parts of welcome week was when everyone laid out on the grass to watch the movie The hunger Games on a big screen outside. I definitely enjoyed the free shaved ice and food that was offered at every event which had me convinced that they were trying to bring to the light that freshmen fifteen is real. One of the last big events which rounded out the end of welcome week was the block party. There was once again great food and entertainment which included riding a mechanical bull and playing laser tag.

So far adjusting to college life hasn’t been hard for me. I enjoy all of the free time that I have during the day, between and after classes. I actually am enjoying college way more than high school. I have been in school for almost 3 weeks, and right now the work doesn’t appear to be too challenging. I have also gotten involved in a couple of clubs and hope to find more to do in the future. I also look forward to attending my first collegiate football game here, and rolling Toomer’s Corner.

TRansiTion fRomhiGh sChool To ColleGe


This season, we want to address ways we can encourage our kids to show good sportsmanship. Like anything else this can be tough to teach kids, especially when they see bad behavior from those in authority: other parents, coaches, and athletes. Nevertheless, we should still try to guide our kids to do what is right.

• losing gracefully – this is a lesson that goes beyond sports. There is a big difference between losing to a better team and being wronged—I’m referring to the former. It’s absolutely disgusting to see a child throw a tantrum at a game because his/her team lost. If parents allow that time of behavior, it tells the child that it’s okay to have a fit anytime something goes wrong or he/she don’t get what he/she want. And yes, I know there are adults who behave this way, and isn’t it horrible being around someone like that?

• Winning and losing are a part of sports. We, as parents, also need to make sure that a loss doesn’t demoralize our children to the point they want to quit. You want to teach them to not be a quitter; however, you don’t want to force them to play a sport that may not be the right fit for their physique or talents. There has to be a balance.

• calm down - This is as much for the parents as it is for the kids. Is it really necessary to cause a stink

and embarrass yourself and your child at the games? As an adult, if you can’t control yourself in the competitive situations that your children are in may I suggest: deep breathing exercises, physical activity, yoga, meditation, or sex (in your house before the game). I don’t have enough words to tell you how irritating it is to be around an out-of-control parent at a sporting event.

• being Polite – football season is just starting. Many coaches told the team that they won’t tolerate any “trash talk.” And some parents were really happy to hear the coach made it one of the team rules. It is important to be polite and not trash talk especially if the other team is losing.

• don’t cheat - I think this is a no-brainer but the reality is...it isn’t.

If you’re having trouble controlling your temper at your kid’s game, perhaps you ought to consider the reasons you want your kids to play sports. Is it so they can learn disciple and hard work? Or, on the other hand, are you trying to live vicariously through them? Are your kids playing sports on their own accord, or because you want to relive whatever athletic glory-days you thought you had? Just something to think about. Either way, be a good example.

Let’s play ball!!

Good spoRTsmanship vs. ouT-of-ConTRol paRenTs


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