It's that time of year again. Baseball all-star games are under way, and the intense pressure put on kids by the parents has not lessened. In fact, on many fields it seems to have intensified.

Parents whose behavior weeks or months ago was out of control and who acted inappropriately have now accelerated to the point of needing professional help and a few weeks in a state hospital on the special floor for Little League parents.

This happens even to parents who appeared to be calm and relaxed in the regular season.

The out-of-control "bug" and the inappropriate-behavior "virus" took hold of a friend of mine just recently at a Little League all-star game.

The coaches and parents from the opposing team forgot who the adults were and took their tempers out on the umpire, and even started yelling at my friend's son.

So what's an all-star, playoff-bound parent to do? He regressed a few years himself and yelled louder and harder, making a big scene.

When I asked my friend how he found himself in the middle of a screaming match with the other team, carrying on the way he did, he said, "I was protecting my son."

I've got a better idea of how to protect. How about:

- Giving your son that nod or eye contact with that affirming wink that says: "You're OK with me, son, and I love you regardless of what these 'virus'-afflicted men just yelled. You're the greatest. How about some pizza and ice cream after the game?"

- Gathering your team in the dugout in a family-style huddle and explain to your kids the truth about inappropriate behavior, and the way to treat other people even in tough, adverse situations.

The truth is that he embarrassed his son in front of all of his friends. That was not protection; that was painful.