We Have No Idea What An Impact We Have On Our Children...

Paul Reddick is a well known trainer from the northeastern part of the country. He is known to write some controversial articles, but this is one I wholeheartedly agree with.

Long after this game ends for our children, it is the impact that we have on them and the relationships that we create, that will matter most. I implore you to read this and apply it as often as humanly possible. Whether or not you realize it, you are your child's hero and the person he will emulate. How you engage your son/daughter will most certainly impact how he carries himself. Be his leader, his mentor and the man he will be proud to one day become!

"Ever notice this at your sons game?

You hear other Dads yelling out stuff like..

"All you Johnny." "You're the man, Johnny" "Straighten it out." "Get your pitch." "You can do it."

...then you wonder if you should be yelling something to your son too, right?

Maybe you've caught yourself just saying things that the other Dads say or that sound good.

Should you do that?

NO!

When you yell things like that at a game all your son hears is "I don't trust you."

So, what should you do? What should you say?

Your son doesn't need words. He needs your eyes.

He's gonna look at you 15-20 times per game. When he looks at you, he needs to see and feel that... ...you're there for HIM and not just there for the game.

...you're there to watch him play NOT watch him win

...you're there to give him a look of confidence when he makes a mistake and not just cheer when he gets a hit.

Do this, and he'll play loose and relaxed.

Remember this:

You're his leader. He will go where you go. (This goes for coaches too)!!

If you get anxious, he'll get anxious.

If you only start talking when he's on the mound or at the plate, he'll feel that too.

You should be the same whether he's on the mound and the winning run in on 3rd with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th or it's the first pitch of the game.

If you're calm and steady that will carry over.

Not saying he won't fail, lose his cool or never feel anxious.

But, do you want to be the reason he feels that way or contribute to that?

You're negativity even if unintentional is killing your kid's self-esteem and confidence.