When the Coach is your dad....

This year Mr. Incredible is Dash's head coach for baseball. Dash played fall season of 2007, T-ball and it was so much fun for him. He was and is a natural. He takes to this sport like a fish does to water. Mr. Incredible was one of the assistant coaches. They had a great year. The next season, 4 months later, Mr. Incredible had Aden move up to Coach pitch baseball. He could have played 2 more seasons in T ball. Dash struggled. He went from a confident young player to a very young inexperienced player. At times, my heart ached for him because he made errors, he struggled at batting, and fielding. He was immature both mentally and physically. With Mr. Incredible's encouragement and my understanding that Mr. Incredible would not allow Dash to go back to T-ball. I figured I had to support my husband and not baby my son. I encouraged Aden and played guard dog to his dad and brother when I thought they would push too hard. Dash pushed himself. He expects nothing but perfection and is his hardest critic. He needs constant praise. Half way through his season he matured. He was hitting, he was fielding and parents would tell me, "See mom, he needs to be here. Mr. Incredible was right". As much as I hate to admit it they were right. But,there is nothing wrong with allowing your child to be a superstar, instead of just a star. Mr. Incredible said, it would be for his benefit and he would be a better player next season. (It is easy to be an eagle when you are flying with a bunch of turkeys). I am really glad that Dash had last season of coach pitch. This year he is a different child. He is confident. He is still younger but he knows how to field, how to bat and his in his element.

I went out to Dash's first practice and I saw him near the first base side line. My instant thoughts, were "why is he on the side line and not playing?" He and another boy were rotating plays. This is Mr. Incredible's first year as being the head coach. I asked him how things were doing and he quickly had an earful for me. "Dad, yelled at me. He made me run laps because I was goofing off. Nobody else had to run, just me and he never hits me good balls. He hits all the other kids good balls". He tells so and so they did a good job but he doesn't say that to me. (just a little bit of whining) With Dash, I have to be careful not to mother him too much or he will take an inch and go a mile.
I said, "Dash, welcome to the world of having your dad as HEAD COACH. He is going to be harder on you, he is going to expect more from you. You will have to set the example". " Now, get out there and play hard for me", as I tossled his hair. ( I did make a note to myself to express my thoughts to Coach later that evening. I think we came to a clear understanding. Yes, I may have strong armed him a bit. LOL