I was an athlete before I was a parent, I was very selfish but also pretty good at sports. Spent many years on the court and field with the kids on the sidelines watching or at home without me.
I was very fortunate to have people in my life who allowed me to play sports and travel for sports. From the mother’s ( yes mother’s but that’s a story for a different time), family members, friends who sat on the benches with my kids while I played, and their lovely girlfriends/wives who would watch them for me.
This allowed my kids to grow up around sports and in turn fall in love with them also. Which meant change was coming…
My playing time started to fade as theirs increased.
If you’re lucky it will lead to coaching them and or watching them play. If you’re really lucky you’ll get to play with them and eventually they’ll be leaving you at home to play. It’s a cycle and a balance.
I am currently at the coaching and watching stage due to some health issues but I was lucky to spend time playing with them, their friends, and just about every kid in the neighborhood.
I truly cherish that my kids don’t just have to listen to my stories about how good I was. They got to see first hand my abilities and my process of sports. From dominating with little effort, to working hard to remain competitive. I rarely brag about my kids achievements because I expect good results and I know sports and life don’t care what you DID. It’s all about what you’re doing in the moment. If you get to high on past achievements you might miss the next opportunity. Its unfair to them but at the same time sports and life are very unfair.
You will get bad calls and you’ll get looked over while others get the praise. So I tell them to leave nothing to chance. Be so prepared that it’s impossible to get overlooked. When the official makes a bad call try and move on as quickly as possible. You’ll get the next one if you’re respectful (usually)
Ok now I’m rambling but it’s because I’m very passionate about sports, my kids, and just about every kid I get to interact with. As an athletic parent of athletes it’s my job to use what I know to help them anyway I can to improve on and off the field. And for the first time I can honestly say. I love my job, but the pay sucks!!!!!!
Enjoy the process because it’s not going to last forever.
