The best athletes have a coach. Peyton Manning, Jordan Speith, and LeBron
James all have a coach. Children need
and benefit from coaches, too.
A good coach can see what the athlete
can’t. He guides, directs, and even
corrects behaviors and attitudes that hinder his athlete and the success of the
team. A good coach inspires and
motivates his athlete when the athlete is tired and not doing his best.
A good Dad is a good coach. A good Dad can see what his children can’t. He can share from his life experiences and
what he has learned along the way. He
can guide, direct, and even correct behaviors and attitudes that hinder his
children and others. A good Dad motivates
and inspires his children when they are tired and struggling.
I used to coach my children’s soccer,
hockey teams, and track teams. I’ve put
away my whistle and clip board. But I
continue to coach them in life.
Coaching takes lots of time and lots
of practice. Achievements do not happen
overnight and great athletes will tell you there are more failures than
success. Baseball great Babe Ruth once held
lifetime records for home runs at 714 -- and strike outs at 1,330!
Good Dads coach their children to
handle defeat with grace and humility. I
was a good wrestler in high school and was hoping for an undefeated
season. But one night I lost. I threw my headgear and stormed into the
locker room without shaking my opponent’s hand.
My coach made me pick up my head gear, walk back to the mat, and shake
my opponent’s hand. I am grateful to my
coach for teaching me how to handle defeat –- a lesson I’ve not mastered yet but
continue to learn.
Like any coach I have good seasons
and not so good seasons. I want to keep
learning and I am asking you for help. Pro
athletes have coaches. Dads need
coaches, too. We all benefit from each
other and someone to help us keep our head in the game.
Here is a look at my playbook. Perhaps some of these plays would work for
you. Perhaps you would share some of
your plays with me? We Dads are all in
this together.
Coach Sippy’s Parenting Playbook
I 1. I am here to coach you, help you, and
cheer you.
. 2. I am completely committed to your
health and success.
3. Do not hurt yourself and do not hurt
others (see sub-chapter on dating, alcohol, and “doing stupid things”).
4. Be confident in yourself and hopeful
in life
5. Be forgiving and accepting of
yourself and others.
6. Be friendly and polite. Greet others before they greet you.
7. Be generous and put the needs of
others before your own
8. Respect and support your teachers,
coaches, employers, and government.
9. Do not be critical or judgmental of
others.
10. Be
happy, hopeful, and adventurous. Fulfill
your dreams.
Jeff Sippy, Dad in training, continues to coach his sons and his congregation in living and loving life. He and his wife, Cindy, reside in Springfield, Missouri where he serves as Senior Pastor for Redeemer Lutheran Church. He can be reached for question or comment at jsippy@rlcmail.org.
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