Have you ever heard the song, “Dad…I have been a watchin’ you…” If you haven’t, you need to listen to the words and realize that kids are always watching us..even when we coach. Leading by example is taken so lightly these days.

Morrie Adams is one of the greatest minds in the athletic world. He does mental training for the University of Iowa wrestling team. As some of you may know, Iowa has been one the greatest wrestling programs. Morrie talked about a couple that brought their High School wrestler in for a session. They started telling Morrie that little “Johnnie” was acting pretty scared on the wrestling mat. Morrie asked them to videotape Johnnie’s Mom the next time Johnnie wrestled instead of Johnnie. The tape proved to be true that Johnnie’s Mom was acting just as scared in the stands during the wrestling match. Morrie told the mother that if she is acting scared in the stands, how do you suppose Johnnie is going to act?
So, if you are in your yard and yell, SNAKE, SNAKE and start running, do you think your child will hang behind and pick up the snake? NO, they are going to run also.

God Made Everyone To Be Above Average!
Thanks,
Doug Whipple

1. How early should my child start competitive sports?
2. How soon should they specialize in one sport?
3. At what age is it OK to lift weights?
4. How much should I “push” my child to excel?
5. What’s the best way to support my child during games?
6. How do I help my child manage anger relating to competition?
7. How do I help my child cope with the disappointment from losing?
8. How do I reinforce good nutrition with my child?
9. How do I manage expectations relating to my child’s athletic performance?
10. What is the appropriate way to interact with my child’s coach?
11. What is the appropriate way to interact with other parents?
12. What is the appropriate way to interact with officials?