Well the season is now officially over. I just spent the last two months coaching for my daughters 7th grade basketball team. What an enlightening experience it was. In her 7th grade class they have three levels of teams A, B and C. We were the C team which meant that the girls were more there for the social aspect than the willingness to become champions. It’s not that they didn’t want to win, they really did, it was just that winning had to revolve around conversations about the movie Twilight and what exciting things happened at school that day. We had a few competitive girls on the team but not a lot of talent. In the beginning of the season I would tell them that “they don’t give out scholarships for assists” so shoot the ball. Little did I know that shooting was our weakness. We must have put up 400 shots during the season only to convert 15% of them. By the end of the year I was telling them that not one of them would ever have to go through the pain of getting cut from their high school team, because none of them are going to be asked to try out. Ok, so I am no Bobby Knight but I did learn a few things along the way.
We did win some games, half of them to be exact. The girls never gave up and always had a smile on their face. If they missed an outside shot they would try a layup. If they missed a layup they would try a three pointer. But they always tried.
We as parents can learn a lot from my girl’s team.
#1. Always remember that life is short so enjoy the time you have with those closest to you.
#2. It’s not all about winning as a parent; it’s about learning to have fun. Your kids are going to be gone before you know it so treasure the wins you have with them and let go of the loses.
#3. Always have a smile on your face. It makes all of you happier to be participating in the game of “family life”.
#4. Keep shooting to be the best parent you can be. They don’t give out “parent scholarships” for passing the buck.
And Finally……
#5. Get involved with your kids. Volunteer at school, coach a team, take up a hobby together, but do something…Because the season will be over before you know it.