The price of fame
Jannie Putter has released his latest book, 'Wenplan vir jou kind se lewe - vir koelkop ouers' which has just been awarded as top spiritual read in the category youth and education.
‘COMPETITION at school level has reached ridiculous proportions, more even among the parents than the children themselves.
‘Life in the fast lane and the winning at all costs culture are taking a massive toll on families.’
So says Jannie Putter, a top sportsman, former provincial rugby player, practicing sport psychologist and award-winning writer.
The rugby season has kicked off and young players are pressured from all sides to qualify for first team, but Putter says the price of success is often just too high.
‘Young lives are being destroyed as talented upcoming players just buckle under the stress, while we as parents, schools and coaches just drive forward, regardless of their emotional and spiritual condition.
‘People sheepishly follow the crowd to perform better and better, leaving behind a carnage of damaged young sportsmen and -women.
‘There is a concerning spike in statistics on the prevalence of emotional illnesses, suicide, depression, anxiety and substance abuse among teenagers.
‘Children are left struggling with a chronic fear of failure and trying to live up to unrealistic expectations, often beyond their natural abilities.’
Putter has released his latest book, ‘Wenplan vir jou kind se lewe – vir koelkop ouers’ which has just been awarded as top spiritual read in the category youth and education.
He is an expert on the field of sport and holds four degrees, including an Honours in Psychology and Sport Science and a Masters in Sport Psychology.
He was also the psychological coach for the Bulls from 2006 to 2010.
‘Parents expect schools to take responsibility for their children, but this cannot be.
‘Your child is your own responsibility.
‘They must be nurtured, cared for, understood and primarily educated at home.
‘Many however don’t have an idea what their children are going through, as long as they style out there.
‘They live vicariously through that child, desiring the prestige and social status of having such a high performing child.
‘Others are blinded by the financial gain and bursaries they believe will open all doors to a fantastic future.
‘I want to appeal to parents, teachers and coaches to rethink their actions and expectations and to do thorough introspection about their own motives.
‘We need comprehensive training and mentoring of all stakeholders to save our children.
‘Spend time with your child today, rethink your family values and get help.’
