The Cheers and the Tears

The Cheers and the Tears offers parents and coaches sensible advice and healthy alternative approaches to the competitive and stressful world of youth sports. "Full of practical and helpful ideas for parents who want their child's youth sports experience to be a success. . . . Refreshing, honest, and down to earth." --Joan Ryan, author, Little Girls in Pretty Boxes; columnist, San Francisco Chronicle "Shane Murphy understands parents and helps them help their children. His guidance is immensely practical. This book is essential reading for anyone who works with children in sports." --Christy Ness, Olympic figure skating coach, coached Kristi Yamaguchi to the 1992 Olympic Gold Medal in Women's Figure Skating "The Cheer and the Tears is terrific! Shane Murphy provides excellent solutions to tough issues. If your child is involved in organized sports at any level, read this book!" --Sean McCann, sport psychologist, United States Olympic Committee

Acknowledgements. Introduction. The Crisis in Youth Sports. How Did We End Up in This Predicament? What Do Parents Want? What Do Kids Want? Escaping the Parent Trap: Pushing Your Own Dreams or Encouraging the Young Athlete? The Family's Journey: Nurturing Safe and Healthy Young Athletes. How Do Children Become Competitive. How Competition Affects Children. Positive Approaches to Youth Sports. Notes. For Further Reading. For More Information. About the Author. Index.