A Stressful Situation
If the world were a perfect place, talking to their child's coach would be as natural and stress free for a hockey mom as talking to their child's teacher. Parents, both moms and dads, should feel free to let the coach know anything we feel will affect our child's participation, such as stress in his home life or school, the fact that he has chronic asthma, that he is grieving over the death of a family pet or has to miss a game to attend a family wedding. We also should be able to expect that the coach will share any concerns with us about our child at any time.
Unfortunately, as I know all too well from my conversations with parents and coaches over the years, there is not much that worries and confuses parents and hockey moms and dads more. Sarah Palin may think the only difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull is lipstick, but I have simply been astounded how many otherwise confident and competent hockey moms - successful trial lawyers, emergency room physicians, business executives, and stay-at-home moms - end up lying awake in the wee hours of the morning worrying about this issue. The reason is that, unlike your child's teacher, her hockey coach, in all probability, is not a professional educator trained to put her interests and needs first at all times.
Since it simply isn't possible to shield our children completely from bad coaches, when we feel that we have something to say, no matter how unpopular, we should speak up. If your intuition is to speak, speak. There is no dishonor in voicing an opinion; there is no dishonor in trying to protect your child.
Before you talk
First, regardless of the issue you may have with your child's hockey coach, talk to your child to find out what he is feeling and thinking before you talk to the coach. His feelings may be very different than yours and they deserve your respect.
Second, encourage your child to talk to the coach himself. If you jump in every time your child has a problem, your child will soon get the message that she isn't capable of taking care of herself and will look to you to solve other problems she may be having in her life. For instance, if he is not getting as much playing time as he thinks he deserves, he should ask, "Coach, what do I need to work on so that I can earn more playing time?"
Third, don't speak up until you see a pattern and after you have gathered all the facts with an open mind. Check with the assistant coaches and other parents. Be patient. Give the coach the chance to get to know your child before you begin complaining.
Fourth, even if your child's feelings mirror your own don't conclude that you have to talk to the coach. Consider the effect your talking to the coach may have on your child's relationships with his teammates and the coach. Sometimes, it may be better to keep quiet until you have given the matter more thought and, perhaps, talked to other parents to see if they have concerns similar to yours. If so, you may be better off going to the coach as a group.
