For the past 10 years, I have either coached high school golf, help manage my two sons baseball teams and run with my two boys during the summer to prepare them for cross country. As a coach, I have more control over the outcome and end result. As a parent, I feel helpless, wishing for the best, yet unable to do anything.
With my oldest son James playing varsity golf as an 8th grader this spring, I am trying to adjust to my new role. As a parent, I feel as if I am living each shot my son takes on the golf course. I can tell him good job, but as a parent it is against the rules to help him at any time except for searching for a lost ball in the group. Golf is a game of integrity for players to follow the rules as well as the fans who support each player.
Proverbs 29:17 also provides a parent’s perspective. Parents are suppose to be the authority figure, not their friends or bff. Parents are suppose to discipline their child when their attitude, behavior and sportsmanship get out of line. Proverbs 29:21 warns about pampering children too. Ultimately, if parents can and will put into practice the wisdom of Solomon found in Proverbs, this world would be a better place. Winning feels good, yet a parent must use every teachable moment in their child’s life to prepare them for the real world.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 