Dear Annie: I read the letter from “Sideline Mom With a Heavy Heart” with deep empathy. My husband coached both of our sons, now grown men, in baseball, wrestling and football. While he was not as intense as the father described in that letter, he certainly had his moments.

Early on, I sat him down and said, “No one feels worse about missing a play or losing a match than our son does. From now on, we’re going to use the 48-hour rule. For the first 48 hours after a game or match, the only thing you’re allowed to say is, ‘I love you, and I’m proud of you.’ After those two days, when emotions have calmed and the disappointment has faded, then -- and only then -- you can talk about the game.”

This approach worked beautifully. Our sons enjoyed playing sports. They went on to become state cha

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