Interview with an 11-year-old

Mistakes! We all make them! Happens at work, with household chores, grocery shopping, cooking, and even picking out presents for our spouses! Mistakes are incredibly annoying! They cost us time, money, and energy! Mistakes suck all around! What’s your worst mistake? What mistakes do you fear the most? Mine? Well, mine is parenting! Am I too hard on them? Am I being too soft? Do I show them enough love and attention? Have I been setting a good example of what a father should be? Ugh!! I sincerely hope I am…but to be honest, I am freaking scared! I learn everything the hard way! How many of my kids am I going to screw up before I learn how to parent?

My oldest child graduated this past year. I was a single father with her until she was almost 6 years old. I then started a relationship with the woman that I would eventually marry. We have three children together which provided the opportunity to screw up a total of four kids! No pressure!

In all my years of coaching, I make a point to get to know each athlete. I want them to understand I care and appreciate them individually, not just for their ability on the field. I ask questions about their family, school, ambitions, relationships, and other interests they may have. All in all, I take time to understand who they are!