Great Idea For Parents in General And Dads In Particular

In the Dallas Morning News today there was an article about a coach of a 4 year old boys soccer team. He sent out an email to the Dads saying these were his requirements:

* Kick a ball at least a half-hour a week with your son.

* Help the coaches at practice.

* Watch the movie "Courageous."

* Answer his emails.

* Show up a half-hour early for games, or your son sits out the first quarter.

These instructions were for dads only...

Might be good to send out an email tennis dads saying the following:

* At least have some civil conversation with your son while driving him to his first match.

* Tell his Mother to behave when she starts arguing with other parents and/or the official.

* Be supportive of your son whether he wins or loses.

* Don't try to live your life through your son.

* Be respectful and supportive of the tournament personnel and officials.

* Actually consider complimenting the tournament personnel and officials when they do a good job.

* Don't get up and storm out when your son starts losing. They actually do see you doing this.

* Take your son to HIS favorite place to eat following the match.

* Make him feel special in your eyes since you only have him for a little while and then he'll be just like you.

* Get up early enough that your son is late checking in and gets penalized. You're the one doing the driving and nothing is more embarrassing for your son than being late.

* Don't make up some lame excuse for being late when everyone knows it isn't the truth.

* Don't berate the officials when they overrule or discipline your son. Remember he's a child and sometimes they act like one.