Is it possible to have old school views these days? Mike Matheny believes in them, and so do I. Since becoming a parent, I’m more aware of how disconnected some parents are – and how crazy others can be at time.
As we rush our children from one activity to the next while eating meals in our cars from “restaurants” with drive-thru windows, we’re missing out on what’s truly important. Teaching our children good values that they can carry with them into adulthood.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again…slow down people. Take a night to watch a few episodes of Leave It To Beaver, Happy Days, or The Brady Bunch. The focus of those programs is the same – the family unit and doing the right thing.
Participating in team sports is a huge part of childhood. And adults are ruining it. From coaches cheating at the game to parents punching other parents, the lessons we’re teaching our children are skewed. They’re learning that bullies and cheats are the winners.
What Coach Matheny says in his manifesto is what every coach in America should be saying. Respect authority, work hard, and make your family a priority.
…one of the greatest lessons my father taught me was that my coach was always right-even when he was wrong. That principle is a great life lesson about how things really work. Our culture has lost respect for authority, because kids hear their parents complain about teachers and coaches.
The Boy is at the age where organized sports are being introduced. Do I want him to play for the love of the game, and I want him to learn more than “winning is everything”.
Winning isn’t everything.
Failure isn’t forever.
Character and class are traits that will take you far in life.
As parents, we have a huge responsibility to ensure our children are set up for a lifetime of success. We are the ones who teach them not to run with scissors, how to dress themselves, the importance of using good manners, and that a balanced diet is one full of fruits, veggies, and a bit of chocolate. Most of the things we focus on are lessons we teach from birth to age five.
At age five, our village pitches in more – full days of Kindergarten and participating in more group events is common. Sometimes, parents sit back and slack off, relying on the other members of the village to do the hard work. You know that parenting is hard, right?
When you sign up to parent, it’s a forever job with no vacations, no sick days, and no room for slacking off. It’s your job to build a foundation that ensures your child is a well-rounded, productive adult. Get to know the all of coaches in your village – coaches come in many forms, they’re teachers, neighbors, clergy, family friends, and family members. Make sure your team of coaches shares the values that you do; that they will impact your child’s lives in a positive way.
Remember: Your behavior off the field is more important than their performance on the field.
I’m almost ready to move to St. Louis so that Mike Matheny can coach The Boy. But, my beloved Red Sox are here in Boston.
Who are the coaches in your child’s life? Do they share your values?
One of the reasons my kids aren’t doing any team sports is I feel rushed enough already after school. I can’t imagine what our weeknights would be like if we had after school practice! We definitely need to slow down.