If you have been over to the Scottsdale Batting cages lately, you might have noticed a sign that hangs towards the entrance of the facility. It embodies every aspect of being a parent on this day (father’s day) and every day.

“Your child’s success or lack of success in sports does not indicate what kind of parent you are.  But having an athlete that is coachable, respectful, a great teammate, mentally tough, resilient and tries their best IS a direct reflection of your parenting.”

This statement is a wonderful reminder of parent’s greatest job.  Our most important lesson.  To instill in our children a respect and willingness to try and compete.  To respect your coaches and the game.  To respect the opportunity to try our best.  To respect the person that we are playing with or against.

To be mentally tough when this game and life beats us down and it will beat us down again and again.  And to have the resilience to get up the next day and to try again and again.  To never let this game or life beat us and make us quit.

Success will come and go in the game and in life but a proper attitude instilled into our children is the greatest gift that we can give them.  Baseball will give many opportunities to teach these lessons, but it is our job as parents to instill the importance of these lessons.

I hope this quote inspires you on this father’s day and reminds you what is important in your children’s life.