Perspective

John Tomlinson, the director of coaching for Matthew's premier club gave his annual pre-season talk to the parents (and kids) and among the pearls that he dispensed, my favorite was: perspective. 

He also advocated for kids not having digital devices in their rooms, but as he was speaking to a group of parents of 12- and 13-year-old boys, the topic of perspective came up often I'm told. (I wasn't there this year, but heard of the talk from a very reliable source... not my 13-year old.) 

John's given this talk before and it's so important for parents (see last post) to remember perspective. I don't have the illusion that Matthew is going to play pro soccer, or even college ball. I hope he plays in high school and continues to be involved in the sport as long as he loves it. But it's hard not to get caught up in the emotion of the game and not to share some of his devastation when they have a bad result. Yet in the end of the day, a bad loss or game doesn't and shouldn't linger in the mind or heart of a 13-year-old.  And sure enough, after Sunday's loss, less than 24 hours later the boys were laughing and joking at the end of their Monday practice. 

The way it should be.

--michael

p.s. Although he may not play in the BPL when he grows up, that doesn't prevent him from looking like a pro. Chelsea FC jersey courtesy of his Aunt and Uncle; Chelsea FC football courtesy of birthday money.