Game of Life

As a parent, sometimes it’s tough to remember what it’s like to be a kid. This can be especially true while parenting younger children a bit later in life.

Now, I won’t define those numbers. Feel free to determine if the shoe fits in your case. But if you find yourself nodding along here, then welcome to the ball, Cinderella.

My point is, it takes some effort to stop and consider what goes through the mind of a young person in certain situations.

My logic, analysis, and process comes from years of experience. Iterations of failure, regrouping, and succeeding.

They’re still figuring things out and slowly developing a method of response. What’s second nature to me, is a fresh discovery for them.

My job as a parent is to prepare my child(ren) for release into the world.

It’s not much different than how a coach develops an athlete. Allow me to riff on this for a moment.

Parent like a coach.

At the core of the relationship is the desire to win. And to win, both coach and player need to be at their best. Both need to grow and excel in their roles.

This mutual understanding and promise - that each will give their all - is the key to whether or not they will succeed.

All the practices, drills, and discipline are designed to prepare the athlete for competition. And each competition should develop and grow the athlete just a bit more.

The coach also must continue to observe, learn, strategize, and implement solutions to issues, while strengthening areas of proficiency. No two athletes are the same.

As the athlete matures, the role of the coach diminishes. But the relationship remains intact. And hopefully, deepens.

In many cases, the circle becomes complete, and the cycle continues, when the seasoned athlete develops into an effective coach.

Proven Quality.

In coaching and parenting, there will always be some stress and tension to test the relationship. Like a muscle, this is good. But go too far, and the result is injury.

I believe the best athletes are a result of a good coach. Good coaches bring out the best in the athlete. They are instrumental in helping them reach, or realize, their full potential.

Take this analogy as far or deep as you can.

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