Sometimes it is difficult to know how hard to push. Guiding your children requires you to help them be what they can be. The truth is, we become who we are.
Evelyn is a natural athlete. She was born with the ability to move with grace and control. A gift. When she showed an interest in sports, I became involved coaching and helping her develop her abilities. Her natural talent made her a standout. She played Little League with the boys. She was easily accepted and they were all her friends. Hockey, Basketball and anything she tried came easy to her.
As she got older and sports became more competitive, I noticed she lacked the desire to engage an opponent with any kind of aggression. She also did not feel the need to devote time and effort into getting better. It was as if she only enjoyed the playing and not the competition. Her coaches asked me to push her into working harder. They saw her potential. When I would try to talk with her about it, she would get upset. I pushed her as far as I dared.
In recognizing Evelyn’s personality, I see a person whom everyone likes. She has many friends, both boys and girls. I never hear her say anything bad about anyone. She has an uncanny confidence about her, without the normal insecurities most people face.
Sometimes it is difficult to know how hard to push. Guiding your children requires you to help them be what they can be. The truth is, we become who we are.
