Teach your children good sportsmanship

"Every athlete exercises self-control in all things."

- (1 Corinthians 9:25 ESV.)

I have three adult sons who grew up sports fanatics. In a household dominated by men, sports was the major theme. Anytime there was a football, baseball or basketball game being aired, you'd find it on the TV at our house.

My boys enjoyed not just watching the games, but playing them as well. Each year, they participated in football, baseball or soccer. And besides all the outdoor sports, video games were emerging on the scene. So if it wasn't outdoor games they were playing, it was indoor games.

As an observer on the sidelines, I've seen my share of good and bad coaches, players and fans displaying behaviors that revealed their idea of sportsmanship. And, in this day and age, each year brings an increased number of games played, including the addition of video gaming. This makes sportsmanship a major issue in our social settings.

To keep it safe and enjoyable, our children need some pointers on how to control their behaviors at sports events.

Fostering a love for Jesus, family, friends and an explanation that athletic talent is a blessing from God and developed with time, patience and a positive attitude can help keep the frustration level lower and their talent in proper perspective.

As spectators, it's fun cheering for your favorite team. But, keep in mind that supporting your team with positive praises should be the primary attitude.

At the end of the game, handling disappointment in a constructive attitude keeps the game enjoyable. You win some, you lose some should be the sentiment. Offering a handshake with the opponent helps shake off animosity and shows sensitivity toward the other team's disappointed feelings.

Teaching our children good sportsmanship can carry into other aspects of their lives. None of my sons went on to be professional athletes, but when they've received a few curve balls along the way, they've learned to be good sports in the game of life.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Sign up early for her conference "Writing for Fun and Profit," which is scheduled for early spring. Annettee can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413. Invite her to speak at your group, business or event or as your personal coach.