02/29/2024
“We are doing it for the kids”
“It’s all about the kids”
“We just want to give them the best”
Phrases like this are common. As coaches and trainers we love to tell ourselves that we are doing it for the kids. It’s almost comical how much it is said and how much people actually believe it.
But phrases like “I’m just an old school coach” or “we’ve always done it this way” are also said just as much.
But quite frankly, this is one of the most dangerous things. We tell ourselves it’s for the kids and expect them to grow, improve, and mature, but we don’t hold ourselves to the same standards. We refuse to read, learn, grow, challenge our thinking, and recognize our shortfalls, but then say “kids these days” when they don’t improve, mature, and perform. Everyone knows kids are simply a product of their environment, don’t be the guy who thinks it’s the kids fault.
It’s also comical how people equate tenure with success. I do believe experience and tenure are very valuable, but there are people who aren’t good at what they do and have done it for a long time.
You aren’t entitled to the trust of a kid just because you’re a coach/trainer/teacher/etc. I do believe there should be a base level of respect from kids, but you have to earn the trust of the kid. Show them you care and that they are important. The minute you expect and demand their trust/respect, you’ve already lost, but if you gain their trust, it’s amazing how kids listen, grow, mature and advance.
Hold yourself to higher standards and watch the kids follow. If you’re not willing to grow, learn, and mature, good luck expecting that out of the kids. Let’s do better across the board. Raise the level of expectations for ourselves and watch the growth of the kids. They need it, kids crave structure and needing someone to trust and listen to. Don’t be the one who expects it, earn it.