The Winter Olympics are in full swing. One of the really interesting parts of watching them is learning the back stories of the athletes and learning what motivates them, which most often includes their family. Here is information and insight gleaned from a recent article from The Insider, that P.E.T. Master Trainer, Meike Lemmens read—and we’re sharing it with you: What are traits commonly found in parents of Olympians?
Trait 1: They’re active themselves.
Darren Marks, father of surfer Caroline Marks, competed in motocross and his wife grew up a triathlete. They raised their six kids — now aged 10 to 22 — in Florida, where surfing was a regular family activity. While Caroline started out horseback riding, she was drawn to the water by her brothers at age 9. By 10, she was winning East Coast titles, Darren said.
What Parent Effectiveness Training says:
One of the most potent ways for parents to influence their children is through modeling. Kids, particularly, model after admired parents. If you value athleticism, be athletic and build an active household with your kids. If you value honesty, be honest. If you value politeness be polite. If you value non-violence, don’t spank, hit or hurt your kids and that applies to verbal communication as well.
However, it is important to keep in mind that parents’ actions need to be consistent with their words. If the parent says one thing but does another, the parent loses credibility as a model very quickly.
Trait 2: They don’t push their kids.
“We were very sensitive to not being the soccer mom or dad. We’re good at letting our kids identify what they want to do, and then we come in to support it.” Darren Marks father of Caroline Marks.
What Parent Effectiveness Training says:
Internal motivation to do the right thing is far more powerful and long lasting than one based on fear and dependency. [And it’s also a winning strategy, pun intended.]
Trait 1: They’re active themselves.
Darren Marks, father of surfer Caroline Marks, competed in motocross and his wife grew up a triathlete. They raised their six kids — now aged 10 to 22 — in Florida, where surfing was a regular family activity. While Caroline started out horseback riding, she was drawn to the water by her brothers at age 9. By 10, she was winning East Coast titles, Darren said.
What Parent Effectiveness Training says:
One of the most potent ways for parents to influence their children is through modeling. Kids, particularly, model after admired parents. If you value athleticism, be athletic and build an active household with your kids. If you value honesty, be honest. If you value politeness be polite. If you value non-violence, don’t spank, hit or hurt your kids and that applies to verbal communication as well.
However, it is important to keep in mind that parents’ actions need to be consistent with their words. If the parent says one thing but does another, the parent loses credibility as a model very quickly.
Trait 2: They don’t push their kids.
“We were very sensitive to not being the soccer mom or dad. We’re good at letting our kids identify what they want to do, and then we come in to support it.” Darren Marks father of Caroline Marks.
What Parent Effectiveness Training says:
Internal motivation to do the right thing is far more powerful and long lasting than one based on fear and dependency. [And it’s also a winning strategy, pun intended.]
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