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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

Let The Kids Play (Part 1) March 3, 2008

Posted by Darrell in : Healthy For Life, Just For Mom , 1 comment so far

Everyone is aware of the obesity problem that is plaguing our children today.  It is critical that you introduce the idea of healthy eating habits and exercise to your kids while they are young, the earlier the better.  It will instill habits that can and will last a lifetime if they feel that their health is a high priority in YOUR life. 

Now I am going to start the First Part of a Three Part Series on the 3 Building Blocks that will create a rock solid foundation for a healthy child. 

Building Block No. 1

What is Your Child Interested In?

This is huge!!  I know it sounds simple, but you would be surprised by how many children I have coached that didn’t want to play… period.  Every time I meet with the parents at the beginning of a new season I always ask why their child wanted to play what ever sport it is.  Within minutes I can tell whether the child wanted play or whether it was Mom or Dad. 

I am all for children trying different activities/sports but you have to take extra precaution when they are young, at an early age they aim more to please. So making you happy is very important to them.  They will play sports they don’t like because they think it is important to you.

Please take the time to make sure whatever sport you choose for your child to do that they have an interest in it. Life will be SOOOO much more peaceful if you don’t have to drag them to practice crying.

Mom Tip:  If your child starts something make them finish it.  There isn’t a worse habit in the world than making it easy for them to quit when something isn’t as easy as they want it to be.  Tell them that they don’t have to play next season but you should always finish what you start.

God Bless,

Darrell