Who Benefits From Fan (Guardians) Support in Your 4-H Club?
Coaches know that involved parents equal committed players and a strong foundation of fan support. Involving guardians is a win - win for most coaches. You and your club membership can enjoy this winning combination by involving parents and families. Everyone benefits! Here is how:
Members
- Receive more personal attention and direction in project work, progress and completion.
- Satisfaction increases when parents are actively supportive, not OVERLY involved in their 4-H experiences.
- Gain self-confidence and feel more safe and secure.
- Active parental observation, monitoring and supervision of club activities decreases child abuse risks.
Parents / Guardians
- Contribute to the positive life skill development of their member and others.
- Enhance personal worth and self-confidence through sharing their talents and skills to benefit club membership.
- Gain new skills, knowledge and interest while helping the club.
Family
- Develop common bond by sharing learning opportunities.
- Create family unity and togetherness by supporting each other.
- Make community connections by linking with other families.
Club
- Reduce individual time to complete club tasks because of increase people power.
- Secure additional resources, skills and community connections.
- Become more vibrant, energetic and dynamic, strengthening the club and the county 4-H program.
How Does Fan (Family and Parent) Participation Enhance Positive Youth Development?
What better way to show your child you care, then to be spend quality time with them. According to decades of research, parental involvement enhances academic performance, raises self-esteem and is a great inspiration. Youth are more likely to participate in extracurricular activities, enjoy the experience and have less behavior problems when parents/guardians are involved.
Research validates what we know can exist in 4-H clubs with great positive parental support:
4-H fans "Make a Difference" in your players' experience and success.
- Higher completion rate of 4-H projects;
- More in-depth exploration of a project or interest area in the 4-H program;
- Greater and more regular attendance at club meetings;
- More involvement in 4-H program opportunities beyond the club level; and
- More influence on member's attitudes, actions, behaviors and goals.
Guardian support directed for competitive advantage or personal gain can have devastatingly negative consequences. Unrealistic guardian expectations, unethical and unsportsmanship like conduct and irrational behavior can drive members out of the 4-H club. Other members are at risk, not just the parent's child. Monitor your club's parental (fan) support and redirect misguided involvement to create a family club spirit for he benefit of all. In some cases, you may need to contact your County Extension Educator for assistance in working with a difficult parent (fan).
