My mother called me late yesterday afternoon to ask me if I had watched the Tiger Woods statement. ”No” I replied. Why would I want to watch a man who made the biggest (numerous) mistakes of his life grovel in front of the media? But, there, next to him, in all her dignity was his mother. She sat by him. She believes in her boy. All mother’s believe their child is the greatest gift. It’s when the greatest gift believes they are the greatest gift to the world spoils the child into disbelief.
My husband and I are firm believers in the notion to allow a child’s “talent” or ability to speak for itself. However, it seems, that may not be enough. Yes, I am an advocate for my child, I support his efforts and goals. I am not one to involve myself in the coach’s decisions. There are some parents that have this ability, they have influence over key decisions. They are brilliant. I don’t involve myself. In fact, I try to stay out of all of it. However, I often wonder if at times it hurts our child, our lack of being a part of the “inner circle” of influence.
As an athlete growing up in today’s world, is 50% of success is driven by parental influence? Tiger’s mom was supportive, not influential. But his father, he was perhaps influential. All those Olympic Athletes are supported by their parents. Do you think their parents were influential in their success? I don’t know. I am sure they came across situations one could consider being “influential”. I watch my youngest at her gymnastics week after week. She’s ok. We put her in gymnastics to build upper body strength as suggested by an Occupational Therapist. Somehow, she has it in her head that she wants to be in the “Olympics on TV”.
Sounds like a great idea to me. The Olympics. TV star. She mentioned this to a couple of mothers at a hockey game. They asked her if she was ok with not eating, living away from her family, and training day and night. Ladies, she’s six. I know the comments were meant in jest, but she didn’t understand. All she heard was living away from her family. I assured her this would never happen.
I support my children in their dreams. I support them in their desires and goals. I would go to the ends of the earth for them. The decisions for their futures are up to them, I will be there to influence the positive in their talent, not the circle of people around them. They are my greatest gift. Tiger’s Mom, like me, stands by her child on her terms. He has been humbled. She has shown him that the greatest gift we have are our children, not their talent.
Tagged: amateur, goals, gymnastics, kids in sports, parents, reading gymnastics, tiger woods
