Esquire Network to Host Screening, Discussion Group on Overly-Competitive Parenting

NEW YORK - Jan. 7, 2015 - PRLog -- The Esquire Network is shining some bright camera lights on the exclusive culture of a Youth Football Association in the heart of Texas. This association is made up solely of 8 and 9 year olds, and so far, the series has been very controversial. The compelling docu-series, called Friday Night Tykes (which airs Tuesdays 9 P.M.Eastern Standard Time) follows five teams, both on and off the field. Coaches and parents alike are also observed, offering their insights explaining why kids should suffer in order to achieve football glory and excellence.

While the parents and coaches support this tough love notion of discipline, they also struggle with a serious question: How hard is too hard to push your kids? As the Friday Night Tykes cameras continue to roll, one wonders if this militant approach to football which includes extreme training drills, heckling from crazy fans, along with the balancing of intense on-the-field demands, are put in place along side the normal demands of being a child. This approach, however, may be failing rather than facilitating these kids’ mental and physical well-being.

   To delve into this topic more comprehensively, Esquire Network and the 92nd Street Y will host an evening from 8:15 to 10:00, which will include a private screening of Friday Night Tykes, the network's documentary series on Wednesday January 14th. This screening will be followed by a candid conversation on the state of youth sports in our culture. ESPN's Jeremy Schaap will moderate the discussion. The other panelist will include former NFL players Tiki Barber and Bart Scott, who will also bring their own experiences as players and fathers into the discussion. Barber and Scott will be joined by Brian Morgan, President of Texas Youth Football Association, Matt Maranz, Executive producer of 411 productions and Psychotherapist, author and award winning reporter, Dr. Robi Ludwig.

   Dr. Robi Ludwig will address such psychological themes as competition, how much is too much, as well as discuss how hyper competitive parenting styles combined with an obsession about winning, can ruin a child's self esteem. She will lead the discussion about important social, emotional and psychological implications associated with hyper competitive parents, controversial coaching techniques as well as address what happens when very young children feel an overwhelming pressure to win, at all costs.

Questions such as:

-Why do we continue to professionalize youth sport?

-When does competition become harmful?

-What is the outlook for children and professionalized type sports?

- How do we progress on in this sports’ field within our culture?

    The ultimate goal for the panel is to have a productive debate and further the ongoing national conversation about this very problematic trend. This private event will be extended to NBC Universal Executive Leadership, 92nd Street Y special guest and influencers across sports, health and parenting media.

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Dr. Robi Ludwig (email: drrobi@drrobiludwig.com)

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