To all the moms (and dads) out there who worry about the amount of time coach is gone, how public the coaching job is, how much criticism the children hear, how moving and change effect them, and even how the children are treated; let me put your mind to rest. Coaches' kids are some of the greatest people I know! Thinking back to the kids I grew up with, not to mention the coach's kid I married; several traits of coaches' kids stick out to me.
First, they have an incredible work ethic. Think about it. Have you ever known a coach's kid who was a slacker? Not me! These kids have watched their coach work hard day in and day out. They have observed mom or dad working at home, or at a job, and then taking up the slack when coach was unavailable. They have witnessed hard work and responsibility daily from both parents, and it has translated into a work ethic like none other. They grow up and become the kind of responsible citizens our country needs.
Next, they understand teamwork and loyalty. Coaches' kids have watched mom and dad live it out as a couple, and they have experienced it as a family. They have learned to win together and lose together. They have watched new staffs develop unity, seen teams become as close as brothers, and observed whole communities united in support of the team. They have witnessed teams that got it done and others that did not. Coaches' kids understand that each team member has a role to play and that loyalty to the team is essential for developing trust and working together. They realize that selfishness cannot exist on a team.
Coaches' kids also learn early that life is full of ups and downs. They quickly recognize that it is not far from the "penthouse to the outhouse." From this they grasp that it is not what others think or say about you that matters, but what you know about yourself. Coaches' kids learn that "pride comes before a fall" and recognize the importance of being humble in good times and gracious at all times. (Some learn faster than others!) Knowing that life can be hard is a great lesson that prepares them for adulthood.
Hand in hand with this comes the ability to adjust to what life brings. The children who have moved often, or had to switch schools, or even just watched as a new head coach came in from time to time, have learned to take life as it comes and make the most of it. They realize there are good people everywhere and experiences are what you make of them.
Another trait that makes coaches' kids so special is that they know how to achieve goals. They have watched young athletes go from the "C" team as a freshman to a starter for the varsity their senior year. They have watched walk-ons earn scholarships and seen young men and women be the first in their family to graduate. They have watched kids earn college scholarships, play professional ball, and even come back and coach with dad or mom. The opportunity to see goals achieved year after year allows coaches' kids to dream big and to know they can achieve anything they desire.
Finally, coaches' kids have the ability to handle themselves well in public. They are well-spoken, friendly, courteous, and able to maneuver through social situations. They have been introduced to people all of their lives, listened as mom and dad visited with parents and fans, sat through banquets and special events, helped host staff gatherings, and learned to be polite even in difficult situations. This skill carries them far in life as they move ahead to college and into their careers.
So, moms (and dads), put your mind at ease. Keep being the examples you are day in and day out. Keep demonstrating responsibility, hard work, teamwork, loyalty, a humble spirit, and graciousness. Keep adjusting well, believing in dreams, setting goals, and handling the ups and downs of life as they come. Keep being the great coaches and parents that you are, and let your focus be on the joy in the journey of raising a coach's kid!!
