From time to time we have threads about role models. There are always posts about how some kids view baseball/football/basketball players as role models. Many folks don't see that as a good thing.
I've been thinking about the subtle (and not so subtle) messages we give kids about the "value" of sports (and sports figures) in our society. The efforts we as parents make to foster the best/perfect/smoothest baseball experience, as if baseball is the most important thing in the world.
Are we teaching our kids perspective? The value of hard work? Not taking the easy way out? Do it yourself, daddy (or mommy) isn't going to do it for you?
I'm of the age where my parents didn't engineer my childhood or high school experience. I had to sink or swim. I see now that there are so many parents (not all) who, with the best of intentions, try to make the road as smooth as possible for their kids. But as some point, they will have problems and challenges that mommy and daddy can't fix or help them avoid. Will our kids be ready?
As an employer I see it reflected in a sense of entitlement in many of the generation after me. I can say with certainty, that my parents and grandparents had no sense of entitlement, and taught me that if I wanted something, I better be darn ready to work for it. My dad said what so many dads said back then: when the going gets tough, the tough get going. And he didn't mean they hit the road.
Ok, now I will get off of my soapbox. Best of luck this upcoming season.
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