I think we as adults tend to forget how tough it can be to be a teenager. I have been reminded of this lately watching Cole make decisions about his future. Huge, life changing decisions. This year he has been so focused and concentrated on grades, scholarships, college decisions, and others.
We can forget that the words in which we speak into their lives can make an impact so deep that if they aren't mentally mature enough to decipher the words it can be detrimental to their emotional state.
We have always held our kids to a high standard. I am very proud of the people they have become, not because of anything we have done but because they have worked hard to be where they are at.
I was talking to Cole this weekend and he made a statement to me that I've pondered over. He said "Mom, life isn't all about basketball. I'm trying to decide where to go to college and focused on my grades". I will admit I was asking him why he wasn't having as good a year playing as he had in previous years. He is overwhelmed and focused on his future. I reassured him that now he needs to just play the game and enjoy it since its his senior year, I told him when he is on the court focus on that and when the game is over he can go back to focusing on the other aspects in his life.
I think all too often as parents, fans and coaches we think things are all about the season we are in athletically when what we need to do is step back and realize that kids don't have it as easy as we think.
Therefore, as adults we can be the people they turn to or the people they run from. I have learned from the many years that Ed has coached that it is more than just a game. It is teaching them about life through it and if you get the respect and admiration of the kids they will work their tails off to not let you down.
It is a different world we live in even from 10 years ago. I for one would not want to go back and be a teenager again!
