My oldest son was a talented youth ball player and as a young dad I ventured out to find him a select baseball team to show off his talents. Thankfully I stumbled on to a Cincy Flames website, and our family started our journey into the world of youth select baseball. That first year on the team my wife and I attended the mandatory presentation by the founder of the Flames, Jay Basil. That first year I heard Jay’s speech and I thought to myself, thank God he isn’t talking about me! Well fast forward 25 years, 7 kids, countless coaches in every sport, and thousands of games and I can promise you he was talking to me. It took me several times hearing the speech that it finally sunk in and I stopped being THAT parent. With my youngest of 7 kids (who pitches for the Flames) you will see me sitting by myself down the right field line minding my own business enjoying my son learning lessons he will carry for a lifetime. Thanks for the lessons Jay.
Matt Malott
Estate Master Capital Group &
Pierre Investment Holdings
I was a high school teacher for 36 years and a coach for most of those years, both boys and girls. I saw parents change from an attitude of "the teacher/coach is always right" to an attitude of "my child is always right". A change from a 9th grade boy saying, "I'll take 3 whacks with a paddle if you please promise not to call my dad" to "don't you dare touch my son. Our attorney will be in touch". A change from "knock me down and I'll get back up" to " I need a safe room"
I'm not saying that either attitude is all right or all wrong, but it shows a huge change in parenting that I'm not even sure the parents themselves realize. Read Jay Basil's book and examine your own behavior. Believe him, because he's right. Your child will thank you for it someday.
Joe Sadlefeld
Retired
High School Teacher and Coach