As a parent, we spend a lifetime preparing our children for the future. We know from experience that life travels at the speed of light and if you are not ready for the future you will fail. So we immerse our children in different activities and challenges with a purpose of strengthening their fortitude. We are well aware that if we leave it up to them, they would only concentrate on what is “fun”. This is not to say that learning cannot be fun. This is to say that you need to be uncomfortable to grow. We teach our children many things, but it is the lesson behind the lesson that prepares them for life.
Wax On, Wax Off
How many of us remember The Karate Kid? A bullied teenager (Daniel) looks to learn karate from a teacher (Mr. Miyagi). Once Mr. Miyagi agrees to train his new student, he gives him a set of tasks that appear strange to Daniel. Daniel waxed cars, sanded floors, refinished a fence and pained a house. As you can imagine, frustration began to build in the young student as he longed for training to begin.
Eventually the frustration boiled over and Daniel was no longer interested in home improvements. Mr. Miyagi explained how each of the activities increased his ability to execute karate moves. The lesson behind the lesson for Daniel was discipline, patience and practice. Daniel would go on to defeat his bullies in a tournament.
Attention to Detail
Sports are a great way to teach children valuable life lessons. For example, statements like “you practice like you play” or “you play like you practice” reflect a level of preparation. The goal is to remind athletes to do your best and execute the play given to you by your coach no matter if its practice or a real game.
The fundamental value here is learning to do your best in all circumstances. Whether it’s doing homework, taking out the trash or simply following directions.
We are not preparing our children to be perfect. We are not even telling them not to make mistakes. Imperfections and failures help build perseverance. It is important to teach them the lessons that will translate to every area of their life. It is often the lesson behind the lesson that is the most valuable. These are the valuable gems they may not value today but will change their life tomorrow.
Milton B. Allen says
Great analogous piece
admin says
thank you!