While shooting on the mini-Nerf hoop, I just taught G the 3-year-old Varsity Kid the taunting phrase "Makin' it rain!!!" A trash-talker is born. Nevermind the shots weren't close -- it's the thought that counts.
-- Dan
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Do Sports Turn Kids Into Bullies?
The short answer, per Kate Dailey at Newsweek.com, is yes.
Here's the caveat: When kids are maniacally focused on their sport -- without well-rounded experiences in things like community service or the arts or anything BUT sports -- they can turn into bullies. (I like Dailey's analogy of Cobra-Kai's Johnny.)
The other big factor: Is the coach nurturing or like Cobra-Kai's evil Kreese? Do they teach sportsmanship, in addition to skill-building? Do they try to make it about the play, rather than the winning?
I just finished a terrific new book by the journalist Joe Drape, called "Our Boys," about the uber-successful Smith Center High School football team in western Kansas. Coach Barta is precisely this nurturing kind of coach; despite his success, he is about developing young men into good men.
I know this blog is about raising all-star sports fans, rather than all-star athletes. But participating in sports -- playing -- is as much a part about growing up to love sports as a fan as anything else. The goal is to make that sports participation as productive as possible.
-- Dan
Here's the caveat: When kids are maniacally focused on their sport -- without well-rounded experiences in things like community service or the arts or anything BUT sports -- they can turn into bullies. (I like Dailey's analogy of Cobra-Kai's Johnny.)
The other big factor: Is the coach nurturing or like Cobra-Kai's evil Kreese? Do they teach sportsmanship, in addition to skill-building? Do they try to make it about the play, rather than the winning?
I just finished a terrific new book by the journalist Joe Drape, called "Our Boys," about the uber-successful Smith Center High School football team in western Kansas. Coach Barta is precisely this nurturing kind of coach; despite his success, he is about developing young men into good men.
I know this blog is about raising all-star sports fans, rather than all-star athletes. But participating in sports -- playing -- is as much a part about growing up to love sports as a fan as anything else. The goal is to make that sports participation as productive as possible.
-- Dan
Your Baby Is Really Smart (So Stop Watching "Baby Longhorn" DVDs)
"There are no perfect toys; there is no magic formula. Parents and other caregivers teach young children by paying attention and interacting with them naturally and, most of all, by just allowing them to play."
-- Alison Gopnik ("The Philosophical Baby"), in Sunday's New York Times. Fascinating read.
The lesson: Throw out the "Baby Longhorn" DVD and just get on the floor playing with simple toys with your baby. They will be better fans -- and better people -- for it. (Admit it: You are showing them the "Baby Longhorn" DVD for YOU, not them.)
-- Alison Gopnik ("The Philosophical Baby"), in Sunday's New York Times. Fascinating read.
The lesson: Throw out the "Baby Longhorn" DVD and just get on the floor playing with simple toys with your baby. They will be better fans -- and better people -- for it. (Admit it: You are showing them the "Baby Longhorn" DVD for YOU, not them.)
Monday, August 10, 2009
What Do You Do First Thing in the Morning?
In the morning, do you check the status of your fantasy team before you hang out with your kids?
That simply may be the new reality.
As I tried to coin: "Online/offline balance" is the new "work/life balance."
No judgments, by the way. As someone who has had to get up and do work before their kids get up (and, um, after they have gotten up), I appreciate folks who go online before they have to parent.
-- Dan
That simply may be the new reality.
As I tried to coin: "Online/offline balance" is the new "work/life balance."
No judgments, by the way. As someone who has had to get up and do work before their kids get up (and, um, after they have gotten up), I appreciate folks who go online before they have to parent.
-- Dan
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tweet of the Day: Pat Fitzgerald
From Northwestern football coach Pat Fitzgerald (twitter handle: @coachfitz51)
What a great couple days with our media partners, bowl reps, fellow coaches, student athletes, and FANS! Time to be a DAD!
Lessons From Lance Armstrong
So Lance Armstrong finished 3rd in the 2009 Tour de France. And the 7-time champ is OK with that. In fact, he said it's probably good for his kids to see him finish 3rd.
It's not a bad philosophy overall: Winning ain't everything. It's a goal, but (a) the effort is more important, and (b) sometimes someone else is better.
The same applies to rooting for a team: If your expectation is "title or bust," most fans will be very disappointed. I'm not saying that's wrong, btw. I see it from two perspectives:
One of the things that drew me to Florida was the ridiculously high expectations -- anything less than a national title in football this season would disappoint me beyond belief.
As a Northwestern fan in the early-90s, however, all I wanted was to be competitive in games -- not get blown out. Any win was a good win, and a .500 season -- a bowl game! -- was the dream.
That's part of what made the miracle 1995 season so great -- not only was there a bowl game, but the freaking Rose Bowl -- but I think most NU fans are content with "bowl season."
If you're a Mariners fan, 3rd place might feel pretty good this year, all things considered. If you're a Yankees or Red Sox fan, it is utter disaster.
Expectations are everything. Something to keep in mind when you're teaching your kids about fandom.
-- Dan
It's not a bad philosophy overall: Winning ain't everything. It's a goal, but (a) the effort is more important, and (b) sometimes someone else is better.
The same applies to rooting for a team: If your expectation is "title or bust," most fans will be very disappointed. I'm not saying that's wrong, btw. I see it from two perspectives:
One of the things that drew me to Florida was the ridiculously high expectations -- anything less than a national title in football this season would disappoint me beyond belief.
As a Northwestern fan in the early-90s, however, all I wanted was to be competitive in games -- not get blown out. Any win was a good win, and a .500 season -- a bowl game! -- was the dream.
That's part of what made the miracle 1995 season so great -- not only was there a bowl game, but the freaking Rose Bowl -- but I think most NU fans are content with "bowl season."
If you're a Mariners fan, 3rd place might feel pretty good this year, all things considered. If you're a Yankees or Red Sox fan, it is utter disaster.
Expectations are everything. Something to keep in mind when you're teaching your kids about fandom.
-- Dan
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Good Read: Bill Simmons On His Dad
Very nice ESPN the Magazine coda for Bill Simmons. He ends his Magazine column-writing career with an ode to his dad. Varsity Dads could feel pretty good about the job they have done, if they end up raising a son like Bill.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Would You Schedule Your Kid's Birth Around Your Favorite Team's Game?
Per the Ross Fisher post below:
I will admit to being slightly relieved that the birth of my 2nd kid last October went a few days late; we cleared the projected due date: Right in the middle of the Florida-LSU game.
As ridiculous as that sounds, when we first found out my wife was pregnant and we got the due date, we both heard "October 11" and -- well, I'm not going to say the FIRST reaction... but a fast-following reaction was, "Ooh: Let's check the Florida football schedule."
We then saw it was the day of the Florida-LSU game. OK, so on the plus side, there's a chance that she might have been in labor during the game: What could be a better way to take your mind off things?
On the other hand, what if she gave birth DURING the game? Shamelessly, I'd suggest that's why you have a DVR.
What can I say: It was our second go-round, so I think we were a lot more relaxed about things, so we could entertain notions that are ludicrous on their face -- like whether the birth of your child "conflicts" with a huge football game involving your favorite team.
Anyone else have a situation like this?
-- Dan
I will admit to being slightly relieved that the birth of my 2nd kid last October went a few days late; we cleared the projected due date: Right in the middle of the Florida-LSU game.
As ridiculous as that sounds, when we first found out my wife was pregnant and we got the due date, we both heard "October 11" and -- well, I'm not going to say the FIRST reaction... but a fast-following reaction was, "Ooh: Let's check the Florida football schedule."
We then saw it was the day of the Florida-LSU game. OK, so on the plus side, there's a chance that she might have been in labor during the game: What could be a better way to take your mind off things?
On the other hand, what if she gave birth DURING the game? Shamelessly, I'd suggest that's why you have a DVR.
What can I say: It was our second go-round, so I think we were a lot more relaxed about things, so we could entertain notions that are ludicrous on their face -- like whether the birth of your child "conflicts" with a huge football game involving your favorite team.
Anyone else have a situation like this?
-- Dan
Ross Fisher: Honourary Varsity Dad
Golfer Ross Fisher's wife hasn't given birth yet (as of early Monday morning), but let's induct him among Varsity Dads a little early.
It's the least we can do, given Fisher's dilemma: If his wife went into labor during the British Open, he was prepared to walk away mid-round to be there for the birth of his child.
It was made all the more dramatic, given that he was at one point leading the Open. In the end, he might have been better off being called away.
That scenario would have offered him golf immortality. As it stands, he tanked Sunday -- mentally preoccupied, ya think? -- and finished 13th.
Question: Would you have left a major sports event you were leading to be there for the birth of your first child? On the one hand, I can't imagine NOT being there. On the other, it's the pinnacle of your professional life.
-- Dan
It's the least we can do, given Fisher's dilemma: If his wife went into labor during the British Open, he was prepared to walk away mid-round to be there for the birth of his child.
It was made all the more dramatic, given that he was at one point leading the Open. In the end, he might have been better off being called away.
That scenario would have offered him golf immortality. As it stands, he tanked Sunday -- mentally preoccupied, ya think? -- and finished 13th.
Question: Would you have left a major sports event you were leading to be there for the birth of your first child? On the one hand, I can't imagine NOT being there. On the other, it's the pinnacle of your professional life.
-- Dan
Saturday, July 18, 2009
How to Spend an Anniversary: West 4th St.
Eight years ago, I went on my first date with my future wife -- it started with a long walk through NYC's West Village, including a stop by the West 4th Street basketball courts (the famous "Cage" -- HER IDEA!). I think her willingness to stop there with me to hang out and watch hoops was one of the reasons I instantly fell for her.
Tonight, we celebrated the 8-year anniversary (Tuesday, really, but this was the closest weekend night) by recreating some of that walk (including dinner at the place where we ate) AND we included a drop-by at West 4th's Cage -- this time, though, we had our two kids.
It was Jonah's first trip ever. I held him at the chain-link fence, but I'm quite sure not much registered. It was Gabe's second or third trip ever -- the first this summer, and his ability to understand what was going on was vastly more complex than a year ago.
Yes, he was more interested in the colorful display of souvenir T-shirts available hanging on the Cage fence than he was in the sloppy, up-and-down basketball on the court (the game we were watching ended something like 112-103). But the spark of enthusiasm is there.
Fun way to spend an anniversary. I wouldn't recommend bringing your kids along for your WEDDING anniversary, but for a First Date anniversary, it worked out OK.
-- Dan
(Oh, I know that I'm not raising my kid to be a pro athlete -- or even a college athlete -- but is it too much to ask that he gets at least one hoops run at West 4th St. in his lifetime?)
Tonight, we celebrated the 8-year anniversary (Tuesday, really, but this was the closest weekend night) by recreating some of that walk (including dinner at the place where we ate) AND we included a drop-by at West 4th's Cage -- this time, though, we had our two kids.
It was Jonah's first trip ever. I held him at the chain-link fence, but I'm quite sure not much registered. It was Gabe's second or third trip ever -- the first this summer, and his ability to understand what was going on was vastly more complex than a year ago.
Yes, he was more interested in the colorful display of souvenir T-shirts available hanging on the Cage fence than he was in the sloppy, up-and-down basketball on the court (the game we were watching ended something like 112-103). But the spark of enthusiasm is there.
Fun way to spend an anniversary. I wouldn't recommend bringing your kids along for your WEDDING anniversary, but for a First Date anniversary, it worked out OK.
-- Dan
(Oh, I know that I'm not raising my kid to be a pro athlete -- or even a college athlete -- but is it too much to ask that he gets at least one hoops run at West 4th St. in his lifetime?)
Friday, July 17, 2009
Myron Rolle: Ultimate Role (Rolle) Model
When my sons grow up, I want them to aspire to be like Myron Rolle.
Milestone Parenting Moment: Wii With Kid
Last night, I introduced Gabe to video games for the first time. We played Mario Kart on the Wii. He was fairly stunned that this kind of thing exists, but obviously delighted.
I expect that within a year, he will be much better at the Wii than I am (though I'm not very good).
Parents of older kids: What is their video-game consumption like? Anyone get routed by their kids in Madden or FIFA or any of the other sports games?
-- Dan
I expect that within a year, he will be much better at the Wii than I am (though I'm not very good).
Parents of older kids: What is their video-game consumption like? Anyone get routed by their kids in Madden or FIFA or any of the other sports games?
-- Dan
Thursday, July 16, 2009
NFL Supplemental Draft Mania -- Or Not
I have a lot of aspirations for my two boys as it relates to their sports fandom.
Deep passion for at least one team? Check.
Top-level appreciation for all sports? Check.
There are plenty of others.
One that does not make the list is "NFL Supplemental Draft Expert."
-- Dan
Deep passion for at least one team? Check.
Top-level appreciation for all sports? Check.
There are plenty of others.
One that does not make the list is "NFL Supplemental Draft Expert."
-- Dan
Tweet of the Morning: Dan Levy
Dan Levy (@onthedlpodcast) is the brains behind "On the DL," the leading indie sports podcast. This was his tweet earlier today, and everyone can relate:
-- Dan
Simple joys in life - when you have to send an email to your wife with the subject line Poop! b/c your kid finally went.Follow Dan @onthedlpodcast and find his site here.
-- Dan
Top Ten "Bad Boy" Names
Per Babble, the Top 10 Bad Boy names are...
Alec
Ernest
Garland
Ivan
Kareem
Luke
Malcolm
Preston
Tyrell
Walter
Any notable athletes share these names?
Ivan (Rodriguez)
Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar)
Luke (Scott)
Malcolm (Jenkins)
Preston (Wilson?)
Tyrell (Sutton?)
Walter (Payton)
Any others you can think of? So there you have it (or, not really): What you name your kid DOES matter.
-- Dan
Alec
Ernest
Garland
Ivan
Kareem
Luke
Malcolm
Preston
Tyrell
Walter
Any notable athletes share these names?
Ivan (Rodriguez)
Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar)
Luke (Scott)
Malcolm (Jenkins)
Preston (Wilson?)
Tyrell (Sutton?)
Walter (Payton)
Any others you can think of? So there you have it (or, not really): What you name your kid DOES matter.
-- Dan
Which Athlete Do You Want Your Kid To Admire, Emulate Or Otherwise Respect?
I'm not going to answer this here -- it's more of a start to a larger, ongoing discussion about athletes as role models. And, if they are role models, which athletes you want your kid to admire?
For example: Boston fans, do you want your kid to admire Tom Brady? I guess it would depend on how you feel about getting your girlfriend pregnant, then kind of fleeing the scene. (Although Brady does apparently spend many quality days per year with his kid.)
Do you want your kid to admire Tiger? Ahh: Now THERE is a good father, driven at work but utterly devoted to his kids (probably more now than before he took a year off to rehab, when he really became a Mr. Mom -- there's a Tiger documentary in there, somewhere).
Personally, I would go with Tim Tebow. Yes, I'm biased. (Especially as of yesterday.) But what's not to like about a guy who is not only a great athlete, but a great person?
Do my kids need to learn the specific lessons of evangelical Christianity? Oh, probably not. But if I ever met Tebow, I'm quite sure he would respect my kids' non-Christianity and simply instruct them in some solid moral high-ground: Golden Rule, etc.
I think one of the things that makes Tebow so fascinating is that in an era and a culture of stars -- sports or otherwise -- who never EVER live up to their image (or our aspirations for them), Tebow does.
So: Which athletes do want YOUR kids to admire, and why?
-- Dan
For example: Boston fans, do you want your kid to admire Tom Brady? I guess it would depend on how you feel about getting your girlfriend pregnant, then kind of fleeing the scene. (Although Brady does apparently spend many quality days per year with his kid.)
Do you want your kid to admire Tiger? Ahh: Now THERE is a good father, driven at work but utterly devoted to his kids (probably more now than before he took a year off to rehab, when he really became a Mr. Mom -- there's a Tiger documentary in there, somewhere).
Personally, I would go with Tim Tebow. Yes, I'm biased. (Especially as of yesterday.) But what's not to like about a guy who is not only a great athlete, but a great person?
Do my kids need to learn the specific lessons of evangelical Christianity? Oh, probably not. But if I ever met Tebow, I'm quite sure he would respect my kids' non-Christianity and simply instruct them in some solid moral high-ground: Golden Rule, etc.
I think one of the things that makes Tebow so fascinating is that in an era and a culture of stars -- sports or otherwise -- who never EVER live up to their image (or our aspirations for them), Tebow does.
So: Which athletes do want YOUR kids to admire, and why?
-- Dan
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Great Lesson from the President
Did you see President Obama throw out the first pitch at last night's All-Star Game?
He trotted out to the mound wearing his team's jacket -- White Sox. Now, if there's anything that can make otherwise mild-mannered Cardinals fans get riled up, it's Chicago.
But Obama stayed true to his fandom, showing his allegiances on the game's biggest stage. (He got the pitch in there, too -- if helped a bit by Albert Pujols' catching skills.)
What a lesson for his daughters about being proud of your team allegiance. (I have heard Michelle Obama is a Cubs fan -- wouldn't THAT be awkward.)
-- Dan
He trotted out to the mound wearing his team's jacket -- White Sox. Now, if there's anything that can make otherwise mild-mannered Cardinals fans get riled up, it's Chicago.
But Obama stayed true to his fandom, showing his allegiances on the game's biggest stage. (He got the pitch in there, too -- if helped a bit by Albert Pujols' catching skills.)
What a lesson for his daughters about being proud of your team allegiance. (I have heard Michelle Obama is a Cubs fan -- wouldn't THAT be awkward.)
-- Dan
Re-Tweet of the Morning: Clay Travis
Some of our favorite Varsity Dads (and Moms) take to Twitter to update their followers on the latest parenting goings-on, sometimes sports-related, sometimes not:
Today's Tweet of the Morning:
Send in your own nominees for Tweet of the Morning to the email on the upper-right or just re-tweet them @varsitydad.
Today's Tweet of the Morning:
Up since 4 in the morning. Thanks Fox. Sesame Street on three hours sleep is strangely alluring.-- Clay Travis, author of the forthcoming "On Rocky Top" and AOL FanHouse contributor.
Send in your own nominees for Tweet of the Morning to the email on the upper-right or just re-tweet them @varsitydad.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tweet of the Morning: Headlining
ESPN.com Editor-in-Chief Rob King is one of the best at combining his love of sports (and job in sports) with his parenting, through his Twitter feed. Here's his tweet from just a few minutes ago:
-- Dan
Seeing small kids in the airport makes me feel both wistful and guilt-ridden. In headline terms, "Dad sad, glad. Bad?"(See or write a VarsityDad-worthy line on Twitter? Email varsitydad-[at]-[gmail] or retweet to @varsitydad.)
-- Dan
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