The Reality of Raising Young Athletes on Social Media: Support, Criticism, and Staying Positive
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In the world of youth sports, particularly in combat sports, there comes a unique blend of joy, pride, and sometimes, unexpected scrutiny. As a family deeply invested in this journey, we want to take a moment to reflect on our experience—one that is overwhelmingly uplifted by the support of friends, family, and even strangers who cheer on our children Lewis, Lucy, Layla, and soon—Lincoln.
The sheer amount of positive messages and comments we receive warms our hearts. It is incredibly gratifying to see how our children’s journeys not only inspire young athletes but also encourage adults to chase their own passions. This positive reinforcement from our community fuels our desire to share their experiences with the world. However, alongside the cheerleaders, there are a few who cast shadows, leaving harsh comments that can be difficult to process.
Over the past few months, we have encountered an individual who has reached out to us repeatedly through various platforms. This person seems to believe our sole mission is to showcase our children’s victories while belittling others' efforts. They have criticized how we portray losses and seemed to suggest that our children are merely ordinary athletes who do not deserve the recognition they receive. It can be a struggle to ignore such hurtful comments, especially when they target our children.
But after some reflection, it becomes clear that these opinions are simply that—opinions. It is concerning that someone would devote so much time to tearing down a child’s accomplishments. It’s hard not to feel a sense of empathy for them; it must be exhausting to carry that burden of negativity. My hope for them is that they find peace and direct their energy towards something positive, rather than focusing on other people’s journeys.
Transparency is something we value highly in our family. We share the ups and downs—our children’s victories, their losses, their training routines—creating an authentic record of their athletic journeys. We’ve established these online platforms not only as a means of documentation but as a networking tool that might inspire fellow young athletes and their families. We do not portray our children as an unbeatable champions; instead, we celebrate their hard work, dedication, and the resilience they show in both triumphs and setbacks.
Our ultimate goal is not just to highlight their achievements, but to foster a love for combat sports and community engagement. We want others to experience that same sense of purpose and motivation that we have found in this journey. It’s about encouraging everyone to find their passion, not about belittling others or ignoring the effort of fellow young athletes.
To anyone who has supported us along the way, thank you for your kindness and encouragement. You remind us that the positivity we share outweighs the negativity that occasionally finds its way into our lives. Let’s continue to uplift each other and inspire our children to pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face. Together, we can create a community that celebrates the spirit of sport and the amazing journey of every young athlete.