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Mom, Are You A Fan or A Fanatic? April 5, 2008

Posted by Darrell in : Just For Mom, What was I Thinking , 3comments

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These days I get a ton of questions about what is wrong with youth sports.  I think to honestly answer that question we need to find out why that question needs to be asked in the first place.  I don’t want this blog to become a soapbox for what’s wrong with sports today.  Yet I think it is a fair question any parent should ask themselves when deciding what extracurricular activities your child should participate in.  With that being said, let me ask you a few questions.

There is always a reason for playing sports.  The reason you want your child to play and the reason they want to play might not be the same.  But don’t let that keep you from encouraging them to participate anyway. If you understand what you want and what your child is looking for you will be more focused on finding a sport that is fun for them. 

The Answer to what is wrong with youth sports is…..

THE ADULTS.

Thats right you and me!!

Listen I am all for competition.  There probably isn’t a more competitive person than me.  Believe me when I say I am writing this to me as much as I am writing this for you.  As I spend more time listening to my kids than I do talking at my kids I realize to be an effective coach or just my kids biggest fan I need to get my priorities straight.

For some reason competition brings out the worst in some people.  You see good people act like fools and good kids lose their mind.  To be honest I don’t know if it will ever change.  I use to think it was just us guys trying to prove our manhood or trying to relive our lives through our kids. 

But over the last few years of coaching I have seen more and more MOMS go absolutely BONKERS in the crowd. I understand a mother’s instinct to protect their child and they should. 

BUT it can’t happen in the middle of a sporting event. 

I can hear you now. What!!! But it’s the truth.  When no one else in the world understands, kids want MOM to comfort and support them.

Thats why you have the toughest job in the world and the most rewarding.  Moms get to share experiences with their kids that us Dads will never get to.  

It has been my experience that my kids take coaching better from me than they do from their Mom.  They want Mom to tell them it is OK no matter whats happens in the game.

Hey I know its tough. 

So please share your experiences.  I think we all can learn from each other.

I look forward to hearing from you all soon.

God Bless,

Darrell

Mom, It’s Opening Day, Let’s Watch the Game April 1, 2008

Posted by Darrell in : Baseball, Just For Mom , add a comment

It’s finally here. Opening Day for Baseball Season.  Every fan thinks their team can win the championship.  Excitement is in the air. The Cards are on T.V.

Mom I hope that you take a chance to sit down with your child and enjoy America’s Past-time.  It is a great opportunity to spend some quality time with our kids.

Tonight I have watched the Women’s NCAA Tourney with my daughter and as I write this my son just fell asleep watching the Cardinals. 

With all the things that seem to be wrong with pro sports today it gives us parents a chance to discuss some serious issues with our kids.  Tonight we talked about what it takes to be successful.  How hard it is to perform when a lot of people are watching.  What’s wrong with steroids. 10 year olds like to ask all kinds of questions.  And I love to answer them. 

Mom I think you will be surprised by your child’s reaction if you asked them to sit down and watch whatever sport they’re interested in.  If you are sincere about learning more about their interest they will open up to you as you ask more questions.  If you don’t know much about the sport ask a bunch of questions, they will love the fact that they are teaching you something and that you really care.

So Mom, Let’s watch some T.V. 

Your Kid will Love you for it.

God Bless,

Darrell