As adults, it’s important to set a good example for our children and every child that we can influence. With my own children – now 27, 23 and 20 – I’ve always encouraged them to pursue their unique abilities. For my oldest daughter, it was art, science and swimming; for my middle daughter, basketball and accounting; and for my son, golf and business. One day, I can see him being a super salesman. He’s smart, has many friends and likes to socialize.
Today, at Canton’s Summit, I saw my young friend, Lee Anne. She’s about 11, a great swimmer and sometimes plays basketball. I’ve often encouraged her to join a swim team and compete. In the locker room today, I asked her what other sports she is in. She mentioned racquetball. I asked her if she ever played tennis. She said that her uncle plays tennis and is trying to teach her. I said that it’s a good sport to learn. It’s not only physical, it’s mental, strategic and fun to play with a friend. It’s a means of socializing.
After swimming (3 miles a week for 28 years now), I stopped at the library. That’s another good habit. I picked up several novels for bedtime reading – makes for better dreams and a good vocabulary. It saddens me that the throngs of people that I saw at the library today may vanish if the world turns to e-readers. Where will we congregate?
Reading opens doors to viewing other people’s lives and imaginations. We can explore and discover. We can forget about our troubles and immerse ourselves in another world – whether fiction or fact. I truly wish that more kids today embraced reading as a hobby.
Sports and reading are good places for kids to begin finding their true talents. Meanwhile, tennis anyone?
Please share your experiences in mentoring a child.
Sports and reading are good places for kids to begin finding their true talents. Meanwhile, tennis anyone?
Please share your experiences in mentoring a child.
