June 2025

Why Cheering Matters: Kids Notice More Than You Think

This summer, the sidelines will be full.

From soccer fields to baseball diamonds, basketball courts to swim meets—everywhere you look, kids will be running, jumping, skating, throwing, kicking, dancing, and giving it their all.

And behind the action? Parents. Sitting. Standing. Watching.

Some fully present—clapping, smiling, cheering. Others half-scrolling, half-listening, missing the moments their kids will remember.

Here’s why cheering matters: our kids notice.

They see who’s paying attention. They hear who’s cheering. And when they do, they feel something powerful—supported, encouraged, seen, valued.

I asked my son and his friends if they like hearing people cheer. Their answer was a resounding: “YES.”

What they don’t want to hear are negative comments or criticism—shouting at referees, over-celebrating every move, or yelling about mistakes. It can leave them feeling discouraged or self-conscious, which takes away the fun.

This is what I know: When you cheer, you’re not just supporting a game—you’re supporting their growth, their confidence, and their joy. You’re supporting your connection to them. It’s a powerful reminder why cheering matters.

Until next time…

4 Jun 2025

Who Your Kids Hang Out with Matters

Kids don’t always realize that the people they spend time with influence their choices, behaviour, and how they’re perceived — by peers, adults, and even authority figures. Friends influence choices in ways that can affect a child’s confidence and sense of self.

That’s why it’s so important to have conversations about who they’re choosing to hang out with — and why it matters.

Here’s something I tell my son: “You don’t need to be the one making the poor choice to face the consequence of it. Just being there can make you guilty by association. That’s why it’s so important to choose friends who not only respect themselves and others, but also bring out the best in you.”

Some friends motivate us to grow, stretch, and become better. Others keep us stuck. It’s hard to learn that at a young age — but it’s a seed worth planting. Remember, friends influence choices, sometimes without us even realizing it.

Start by helping your child tune in to how they feel around certain friends.

Do they feel…Respected? Encouraged? Stressed? Pressured to make choices just to ‘fit in’?

It’s easy to get swept up in what others are saying or doing — even when it doesn’t feel right.

Here are a few questions you can ask to spark reflection:

How do you feel about yourself when you’re with this person?
If something went wrong, would they stand with you — or walk away?
Do you feel comfortable to sharing your real opinions?

This is what I know: You’re not choosing their friends — you’re helping them notice how those friendships make them feel. That kind of awareness helps them recognize how they’re being treated, speak up when something doesn’t feel right, and choose friends who make them feel valued, respected and safe.

Until next time…