Editor’s Corner: It’s all about the kids

I would like to share with you a very special message written by my beautiful, talented niece Heather. A former college softball player and teacher, she has followed her dreams and built her own sports complex in Jonesboro. Through XPT (Extreme Performance Training) she is changing young lives.

In this message, hopefully, she will change the views and actions of a few parents. I am happy to share her message. Please read carefully...

“Sport parents, DO BETTER!!!!

“If you are not discussing YOUR kid with your kid then hush! I converse with many players and parents on this daily and if I had a dollar for every conversation that I’ve heard from adults about other folks kids and what they need to do, I could shut the doors and take a lengthy extravagant vacation.

“Same goes with things that kids are saying that I know good and well came straight from the mouth of an adult. ‘—— is gonna be mad because I’m going to play her position.’

“Y’all know that these kids talk. And if you are a coach and you’re having these conversations that get back to your players… shame on you.

“Teach your kids to stay in their own lane, worry about themselves. And you parents…if you’re the one always talking extravagant vacation.

“Same goes with things that kids are saying that I know good and well came straight from the mouth of an adult. ‘—— is gonna be mad because I’m going to play her position.’

“Y’all know that these kids talk. And if you are a coach and you’re having these conversations that get back to your players… shame on you.

“Teach your kids to stay in their own lane, worry about themselves. And you parents…if you’re the one always talking everyone gets ready to return to the classroom and fall sports, let’s remember, it really is all about the kids. It’s about their skills, their passions, their growth and their dreams. Let kids be kids and just watch how fast they will surprise you with their tremendous accomplishments.

Sandra Brand is the editor of the NEA Town Courier and The Osceola Times. She may be reached by phone at 870-763-4461 or 870-563-2615 or by email at brand@osceolatimes.com.