“Dad, will you play catch with me?”
“Dad, will you play catch with me?” That’s a special phrase that always has a profound impact on me. When one of my three boys asks me to play catch, I never take the question lightly. It always makes me feel great inside. Unless I can’t play with him. Then I get an incredibly guilty...
How To Survive Your Child’s First T-Ball Season – Without Losing Your Mind.
I had never been more excited to hear the word, “penis” in my life. It was during the ultrasound of our first child back in October 2003. When the nurse confirmed that my wife and I were having a boy, visions of our little guy playing baseball filled my imagination. Unfortunately, Before Kids Can Officially Play...
Score A FREE Sports Poster For Your Kid’s Room!
If you loved sports when you were a kid, you had sports posters hanging in your bedroom. The athletes you looked up to and idolized were larger than life characters exploding out of your walls. If your kids love sports, hanging sports posters in their bedroom is a great way to fuel their passion for...
The Puck Hog – A Great Hockey Book For Kids, Parents and Coaches
The best animated films and TV shows geared toward kids also have undertones and story lines that keep adults entertained. Great children’s books are no different. They’re written for kids, but they have lessons, characters and stories that adults can enjoy and sometimes learn from as well. A book I recently read with my boys...
Would You Rather Your Kid Be A Classless Winner Or A Sore Loser?
Kids are great. Unless they’re little jerk faces. Last Sunday as I walked into the locker room after my 6-year old’s hockey game, I thought I’d find Brayden all smiles. After all, he just got to play his first official full ice game. Something he’s been saying he “can’t wait” to do all season. Since...
Kids Playing Multiple Sports: Too Much Of A Fun Thing?
My 6-year old, Brayden, has a problem. He is addicted to sports. He has no loyalties either. He’ll play whatever, wherever, whenever. He doesn’t even need a playing partner or opponent. He’ll just go out and shoot the hockey puck into an empty net or toss a baseball up to himself. In the past year,...
Why All Hockey Dads Should Love Pre-Dawn Practices
It’s 4:45 A.M. on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The sun won’t rise over the Midwest for another couple of hours. But my five and six-year old sons need to rise and shine now. Ice hockey practice awaits. You’ve Got To Be Kidding Me Last year, at the beginning of my first season as a Hockey...
A Great Locker Room Speech From A Rookie Coach
If you played sports in high school or college, or even if you’ve watched a few sports movies, you know about locker room speeches. Locker room speeches are usually given by a coach or team leader. They’re meant to get players pumped and inspired before a game or to help them keep their heads up...
What Happened To The Soccer Coach We Liked?
“My team sucks.” That’s what my 6-year old, Brayden, said Monday when we greeted him after his team’s 2-0 loss in the championship game of a soccer tournament. I could hardly believe my ears. First of all, he should know that we don’t talk like that in our house. Second, I had no idea where...
The Most Important Soccer Skill For Kids To Develop
After having three boys who began playing soccer at the age of four, I’ve notice one main skill that the best players on the field seem to have. The development of this singular soccer skill can potentially double the number of goals and great passes your young soccer player will have this season. (By young,...
A New Ice Hockey Dad’s Guide To Your Son’s First Season
A little more than a year ago I entered into an unknown world. The world of youth ice hockey. I didn’t play hockey when I was a kid. I’ve always wanted to be able to get out on the ice and fly around the rink, but the fact is, I still can’t skate very well....
Home Run Robber: A Fun Baseball Drill For Young Outfielders
I want you to use your imagination and read the next few lines with the voice of your favorite baseball play-by-play announcer in your head. Cool? OK…go! “[INSERT YOUR NAME HERE] steps to the plate. It’s the bottom of the ninth. Two down. The tying run is on first base. A home run would win...
