Be careful parents !!!!

Had a great talk yesterday with a much younger co-worker.  He is a great young man, who used to be a regular at my family's sporting goods store.  I will never forget the day 10 years ago when I was talking to him about lacrosse.  I asked him which style he liked better, box or field?

This 13-year-old kid looked me in the eye, and said, "Field, because the field is bigger, and I can get away from the coaches screaming at me".

Then there were two 16-year-olds, who were great kids, but unfortunately happened to be good athletes.  No, that's right.  I did say unfortunately.  They would come to my gym in the basement of my sports store with their OHL manual in hand.  The 3-hour, 5 days a week workout routine was just too much for their brains.  I still, to this day, remember letting them just sit downstairs.  Their parents thought that they were working out, but it was really just an us time.  We would talk about everything but hockey. 

These kids nearly had nervous breakdowns.  And because I couldn't give these programs an ounce of support or credibility, I did, yes, lie to these and many other parents.  It was always our "little secret".

Parents of young kids, I have a check for you to do.  The next time a neighbour, friend, or sporting goods retailer asks your child how their sporting career is going, let your child answer.  Please hear me, let your child answer.

Half the time, the kids don't even know what day it is.  They are so burned out, dragged out, and hating life in general, that they can't or don't want to answer. 

Or maybe they feel like they can't.  You know why?  They love you so much, that they don't want to disappoint you.  But the other part of them is scared because they feel that they will get into trouble if they quit.  Dont't have your kids resent you as they grow older. I've seen it so many times.

It's now summer, and no doubt there are a lot of kids out there that have been given training manuals.  Please be sure that he/she really wants to be there, and it's not just you that wants it.  All kids are gifted in some way.  Just remember that, and don't force something that isn't there.  It will surely backfire on you. 

My co-worker?  He now is in his early 20's, and studies music.  He is now becoming fulfilled, and understands that you can be your own person.  He really never wanted to be that "sports guy", but unfortunately, just happened to be good.

Remember, your child is gifted.  Even if he/she doesn't want to play pro sports.