I was recently interviewed by a Canadian parenting magazine (thus the title's reference to Sidney Crosby) on the challenges of being a sports parents. There are some interesting perspectives that the parents of young athletes will appreciate and learn from.
Katie Ledecky made history when she won the four freestyle swimming event between 200 and 1500 meters at the recently concluded 2015 World Swimming Championships in Kazan, Russia. Her athletic feat was singularly remarkable to be sure. However, I'm more interested in what led her to this place, particularly the role that her parents played [...]
A really painful article about how the hyper-achievement culture of 'only the best is good enough' that is engulfing America's children is causing real problems for young people these days. An important read for every parent who wants their children to be successful (which is pretty much every parent). How and how hard are you pushing your children? At what cost?
Here's an unsettling infographic from Northwestern University researchers that describes the benefits and significant costs of raising children in an affluent environment. It also offers some useful tips on how parents can prevent their children from catching 'affluenza.'
There was a great article in the New York Times recently titled, The Case for Free-Range Parenting. It argues persuasively for the need for our children to have the freedom to explore their worlds on their own without parents acting like helicopters, always hovering around to "protect" them from the apparently dangerous world in which they now live. [...]
A truly eye-opening and painful article in The Atlantic describing how many coaches are the real bullies in school and, by extension, youth sports. Moreover, this abusive behavior is applauded by many parents who see this treatment as character building. These parents have seen too many so-called inspirational movies (such as the recent film Whiplash about [...]
A wonderful article in The New York Times about the importance of allowing your children to explore, risk, and fail. A must-read in today's world of over-involved and fearful parents who try to protect their children from dangers that don't exist and experiences that will actually make them more confident, capable and resilient people.
Children love the Earth. They really do hug trees. Kids care in the purest and sweetest way for birds, flowers, plants, and animals. To see children smell a flower, marvel at a bee buzzing around them, and jump with joy at seeing a deer are just a few of the ways that children express their [...]
If you haven't already seen it, watch this Today Show segment about the recent deaths of 2 young ski racers, Ronnie Berlack and Bryce Astle. Powerful, touching, inspiring, painful...Get ready to cry.
I was recently interviewed by Today's Parent for an article titled "How to Raise the Next Sidney Crosby" (it's a Canadian magazine). It's a good read for sports parents with some great perspectives from elite athletes, parents, coaches, and, yes, yours truly.