Recently I was asked why I coach — why I spend so much time doing what I do even though I don’t have to do it.  After all, a teacher is not required to coach and stay late after school.

My initial reaction was one of puzzlement.  Why wouldn’t I want to coach?  Yes, there are some frustrating moments, but it is a great experience and worth every minute of my efforts.  Plus, over the long term, I can see development in young student-athletes years after I have stopped coaching them.

My greatest moments are not solely those of victory and championships.  They are memories of having been there when a student achieves something that he or she has worked long and hard for:  that “I got it — I did it!” moment.  This success puffs up their chests and gets them to hold their heads just a little bit higher.  That is growth.  That is an important life lesson learned: work hard, don’t give up, and you can make it happen.

The best thing you can do for your child is to get them up, out, and “doing something.”  Get them to move, work with peers, and put themselves in challenging situations.  Let them join a league, attend practices, and become part of a team, something larger than themselves.  Their emotional and physical development will be worth the effort and give them the self-esteem and confidence they will need later on in life.

Now, if you can also give of your time to support your child’s athletic pursuits, that is fantastic.  Not only will you be present for those great moments in your child’ development, but you will also let them know that you support their efforts.

Try and take advantage of these athletic opportunities for New York City kids:

Police Athletic League Sports and Recreation

http://www.palnyc.org/800-PAL-4KIDS/Program.aspx?id=18

Be Fit NYC parks and Recreation

http://www.nycgovparks.org/befitnyc

YMCA of NYC Youth Athletics

http://www.ymcanyc.org/ymca-of-greater-new-york/youth/sports/

Beat the Streets Youth Programs

http://www.beat-the-streets.org/page/Wrestlers/bts-kids-program