I am the father of four adult children, boys to be specific. All four of them were athletes. They loved playing basketball and football. They did a little track and baseball as well. I know what it is like to spend countless hours in the field or in the gym.

Parents with younger children do not believe me when I tell them this. One day, you will look back in amazement at all the hours they spent in sports, AND most of it will be forgotten or have little impact on their life.

On the flip side, most parents spend little time on character development and intrapersonal skills. One day, you will look back in amazement at how you neglected significant areas of their life.

For me, this includes faith and how it works into our everyday lives. Our young people need to be taught how to interact with people, especially those they disagree with or perceive as enemies. They need to be taught how to manage their emotions and offer forgiveness. Young people need to grow up able to confess their weaknesses and to utilize their strengths. They need to be taught how to view money, the opposite sex, authority, and those who appear inferior to them for some reason.

If you are a parent who uses sports to accomplish some of this, then good for you; that is what my wife and I tried to do. Whatever tool you use to achieve these things is not significant; the fact that you personally teach, not just how to score a point, but succeed in life, is indispensable.

One day, you will look back in amazement at the life YOU shaped. I hope you are happy with the adult version of what your child becomes.