Sports and competition are tools available to parents to support their children's education. There are many values and educational lessons to be learned from playing golf: respect, humility, teamwork, discipline, and the development of responsibility are just a few. Here are eight guidelines you can follow to use golf as a tool for your child's athletic and personal development:

1. Set limits on your child's sports activities. Don't let golf be the only thing in their life; golf should be an important part of their life, but not the only part.

2. Remember that children learn best by example. Be a role model for him. Praise and applaud both your child's good shots and performances, as well as those of his fellow competitors.

3. Respect the referees' decisions and encourage others to do the same.

4. Respect the organizers and volunteers of the competitions who dedicate their time to making the competitions happen and value the efforts they make.

5. Enjoy watching your child play and make sure he does too. If you're having a bad time, it's very likely he'll feel the same.

6. Take an interest in finding out what your child wants from playing golf and create an environment that fosters what he seeks.

7. Let the coach do his job. Maintain good, honest, and respectful communication with him regarding his decisions.

8. Help him understand the life lessons that golf can teach him.