My Bengals

Jake and Sam had their first flag football game this past weekend and they had a BLAST! They were so excited…..pumping their fists for every good play and cheering on their teammates. It was a perfect picture of what I want sports to be for them. Everyone got a turn and everyone tried their hardest. If they do go on to play at a higher level someday, I know it will be more competitive and may have meaning, but for now I have a short list of what I think it should offer my boys and any kids their age:

• teach teamwork
• teach sportsmanship
• teach them to give their best
• teach them about commitment

I don’t want them to think they need to pound the other team or be the star. I want them to know how to work with others and be gracious in victory AND defeat. I want them to understand that if they commit to a team then they show up….rain, snow…it does not matter. If the game or practice is not canceled…you show up. While I detest parents who scream and yell “get em” or push their kids to excel at any cost, I relish the opportunity to points those parents out to Jake and Sam so they see how “not” to behave.

I want both boys to experience new things and learn new skills, but not at the expense of fun. They have been fortunate to have great coaches who have those same beliefs. To tell you the truth, if they had a coach who thought otherwise, they would not remain on that team. One day, soon enough, Kerry and I will be cheering them in a high school game or maybe even as Buckeyes . For now…….I want it to be nothing but FUN.

Have you experienced some coaches who were too tough on your kids? What about other parents?

I’ve officially had it.  I am sick and tired of cleaning up after everyone but myself.  I ask the girls to clean up and it seems like a lifelong project lately.  I have resorted to setting a timer.  If the picking up isn’t done by the ending ding, toys get put into trash bags and placed into the garage. 

Why such an extreme course of action one might ask?  First and foremost, with only one grown up in the house, it is impossible to clean up after everybody.   Second, I think it teaches personal responsibility.  If you want things, you have to take care of them.  If you leave that Wii game laying around, it will get scratched and be useless … and NO .. you won’t get another one. 

I also think it instills a sense of family; you live under this roof so guess what?  We all have to pitch in and work together if things are going to run smoothly.  Moreover, it gives me a chance for a bit more sleep/down time.  If everyone helps, then I don’t have to stay up late cleaning up everyone’s mess or folding laundry! 

I’m also trying to teach the girls that with age comes priviledge and also responsibility.  Yes, we can stay up a little late on Friday and watch a movie but in order for that to happen, our housework has to be done. 

How do you encourage your kids to pitch in and clean up after themselves?  Any hints or ideas?  Please share your comments and ideas below.