Back in October I started a post on role models. The World Series had just begun. Josh Hamilton was all the buzz along with the rest of his team. There was a lot of talk about role models and about Hamilton in particular. Growing up, kids don’t really think about who their role model is or isn’t. For me, it was just about who I liked as a player.
With the fast and upcoming parenthood around the corner, I began to think about what a role model ought to be. Nine months later I’m still wrestling with it. It’s not because I don’t know in theory what a role model should be. It’s that I don’t think that sports players should be what kids try to emulate. At least not to the extent that is often the case.
What children need so desperately more than ever are parents. As a kid, I had a lot of friends from good homes, bad homes, broken homes, to mended homes. In all of them, it was essentially the same. Parenting, parenting, parenting. Parents ought to be the number one role model in a home. That’s not to say sports teams or players don’t count. They just don’t make first string.
As a parent, I’ve learned a lot of things:
1. Children need parents not managers. It doesn’t matter how many times I tell my son something I still have to be evolved by partaking in the process. (I know, I know, he’s only 6 months old but he’s still pretty sharp in my estimation.)
2. Children see children do. Even a six month old wants computer and phone time. Any time Luke sees either he makes a mad dash to take control. Anything unhealthy around the house will just make taint Luke’s upbringing.
3. Children don’t just need to be told they are loved. They need to be shown they are loved. Of course, can’t help but want to hold my child and tell him I love him. Sing to him, read to him, or just have a good laugh. That kind of quality time isn’t the same as watching television.
This may not be much to more experienced parents but these three observations sure have gone a long way. And while our son may grow up to idolize some great athlete, musician, or even politician, he has two parents that are working hard to be the best parents and role models we can be.
Thank you for taking time to read this post. We would love to hear from you whether you agree or disagree. God bless and take care! Until, next time….
