Dad finds a hobby and gets a life.
I was talking to a basketball parent today at the driving range and it was refreshing to be discussing something other than his frustration with his son’s basketball achievements and/or misfortunes. It wasn’t until after I walked away and was in my car that I realized that the Dad (who will remain nameless) hadn’t mentioned his son’s basketball exploits for almost 7 months. In fact he hasn’t even mentioned his son. For years I’ve held the position that parents need to find hobbies or competitive activities that they can do to be able to personally satisfy their competitive needs.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Dad’s lack of conversation about his son’s basketball exploits, directly relates him playing competitive amateur golf on a weekly basis. Parents need to find outlets that are their own. Outlets that allow their own competitive juices to flow, for them to have to be discipline and focused on their own development and also something they have fun doing.
In today’s, “ my kid is this and my kid is that world”. It is refreshing to talk to this Dad about his own achievements and goals and fun he is having playing competitive golf. More parents need to find something that takes the place of being a super cheerleader. Every parent wants their child to do well, and support their goals. It’s the overly involved parent that sometimes kills the joy and fun of the game for their kids. They don’t mean too, but it happens. I remember when parents didn’t go to practice, didn’t make every game and still were very involved in their child’s life.
Find a hobby, rekindle your connections with your significant other and along the way give your son or daughter room to breath and be a kid learning how to enjoy and love the game.