I coached a lot of youth baseball with my kids, and checked out just as the kids were developing into real athletes - that's when the parents started getting weird about it: playing time for their kids, slotting them at certain positions and not caring as much about the post-game snacks - check, please!
Nine signs are all outstanding. #2 made me think about the common denominator I see with youth sports parents gone awry- it’s almost always the parent making the situation about him/herself, ie Lavar Ball. And most of the time the “adults” don’t even realize they’re doing that. When you keep your child and his/her experience top of mind, it’s easier to execute on these 9 signs.
I haven’t read Legend of Bagger Vance (sincere thanks for the rec) but I have absolutely no doubt it’s better than that movie. Adding it to my TBR list.
How long did you play Moorea? And also, in one of the books I read on vacation this week I came across your name. It is an island near Tahiti…is that what where your name comes from?
I played soccer through high school. In college, I got cut on the first day of try-outs . . . at a Div. 3 school. 🤦🏼♀️🤣 It's all good, though, because it gave me the chance to learn a new sport (crew). What did you play in college?
Very cool on the name. I played football, also mostly D3 (first two years d2). Crew is awesome, my niece did that in school last year and my undergrad had a great program. Such a difficult sport. Assuming you’ve read The Boys in The Boat?
Great parenting advice! I often feel like I'm just muddling through this whole parenting thing. But these are some excellent objectives. I'll try to keep them in mind as the kids get older.
I think I would have fallen over, Henny. What a compliment, and more than that, it’s a huge acknowledgment from a daughter about and to her father. You are definitely doing a lot right! Love Pressfield. “Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t” is another good one. Thank you for the reminder!
I did almost fall over 🤣. It was all I could do to play it cool and not just hug her right there on the spot! Thanks for the rec, just added it to my ever expanding ‘to read’ list.
I loved hearing about your daughter's comment. Well done!
I was a high school coach for 35 years, 10 years as a soccer dad, 4 years as a lacrosse ref, and a few years as team parent. I wish your rules were posted and were required reading for everyone who is a youth sports parent. Right on.
I coached a lot of youth baseball with my kids, and checked out just as the kids were developing into real athletes - that's when the parents started getting weird about it: playing time for their kids, slotting them at certain positions and not caring as much about the post-game snacks - check, please!
You got out just in time!
Nine signs are all outstanding. #2 made me think about the common denominator I see with youth sports parents gone awry- it’s almost always the parent making the situation about him/herself, ie Lavar Ball. And most of the time the “adults” don’t even realize they’re doing that. When you keep your child and his/her experience top of mind, it’s easier to execute on these 9 signs.
I haven’t read Legend of Bagger Vance (sincere thanks for the rec) but I have absolutely no doubt it’s better than that movie. Adding it to my TBR list.
Thanks for reading & commenting Matt! You’ll love the book I hope. I’m a slow reader and I banged it out in two days. Albeit on vacation.
Love your 9 signs. I played soccer from the age of six.
How long did you play Moorea? And also, in one of the books I read on vacation this week I came across your name. It is an island near Tahiti…is that what where your name comes from?
Yep, that's what I'm named after. :)
I played soccer through high school. In college, I got cut on the first day of try-outs . . . at a Div. 3 school. 🤦🏼♀️🤣 It's all good, though, because it gave me the chance to learn a new sport (crew). What did you play in college?
Very cool on the name. I played football, also mostly D3 (first two years d2). Crew is awesome, my niece did that in school last year and my undergrad had a great program. Such a difficult sport. Assuming you’ve read The Boys in The Boat?
No, is that a book about crew?
Yup, it’s a classic…true story too
Another great job, keep them coming. I’ll have to pass on the MASA hat, I don’t feel qualified to wear one.
Sure you are! And the shirt I talked about too 🤣
Great parenting advice! I often feel like I'm just muddling through this whole parenting thing. But these are some excellent objectives. I'll try to keep them in mind as the kids get older.
I think I would have fallen over, Henny. What a compliment, and more than that, it’s a huge acknowledgment from a daughter about and to her father. You are definitely doing a lot right! Love Pressfield. “Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t” is another good one. Thank you for the reminder!
I did almost fall over 🤣. It was all I could do to play it cool and not just hug her right there on the spot! Thanks for the rec, just added it to my ever expanding ‘to read’ list.
I loved hearing about your daughter's comment. Well done!
I was a high school coach for 35 years, 10 years as a soccer dad, 4 years as a lacrosse ref, and a few years as team parent. I wish your rules were posted and were required reading for everyone who is a youth sports parent. Right on.
Thanks Paul! I’m guessing with that experience you saw plenty of folks that didn’t follow those rules.
Really enjoyed this article. Take it from someone who knows - you are an OUTSTANDING parent ❤️❤️
Wow, thanks Pam!
I strongly agree with Pam!
Thanks!!!!