So Barney (my 9-year-old) went to rugby camp last week.
Consider that 9 hours a day, 5 days solid of committing to the cause.
It’s all on the back of watching the Rugby Sevens at the Commonwealth.
His thoughts after his first day?
“Dad, they expect you to run – a LOT!”
My response?
“Good.”
And he was right.
The coaches were demanding.
Hmmm… In fact, let me rephrase that.
Demanding AND supportive.
Showing him first-hand the power of having a bit of fucking grit and determination.
- The grit to get up after getting knocked down.
- The determination to keep practising when you fail.
- The staying power to give it your all even when the game isn’t going your way.
And here’s the thing…
At the end of his week and after all was said and done, I asked for his final thoughts.
“Dad. It was tough. And fun.”
And it got me thinking about this game and my role as a dad in this current fucked up blur of boom and bust.
See, the old “Do As I Say, Not As I Do” is wasted on kids.
They can see through this crock of shit a mile off.
For kids, and most people – actions speak louder than words.
Your choices….Your behaviour… Your actions…
These are the model they WILL follow.
Whether you like it or not.
…Bitch, moan, and complain, they will copy.
…Glued to a screen, they will model.
…Take the easy road and opt out of hard shit, they will do the same.
Point being remember that even when the chips are down it’s worth giving those around you something WORTH following.
Make More. Provide More. Be More.
Charlie Hutton
