Like Father Like Son

Having your son or daughter participate in your own hobby or sport must be a wonderful feeling. I was anticipating teaching my three to ski when they’re older. My own ill health has prevented that but I still encourage them to take up some sport or other and go along to support. This needs caution, however, that you don’t push too hard. My father was a county rugby player and wanted me to follow on. I did my best and was rugby captain at school and university but once I left college and started playing with grown ups I did not even get a regular second team place. I tried many other things. I played the lead in a school production of Treasure Island and was asked by the local Am Dram group to join them. As a 15YO I lied about my age and ran a half marathon in 90 minutes. I took up rock climbing and was climbing E grades within a year. But unless it was rugby my dad did not seem interested so I persisted even though it was clearly not my forte. My two elder boys of 5 and 6 have been to rugby and football practice and showed no interest whatsoever. “Can’t see the point in it, daddy,” my eldest said. Eventually he started doing karate, which I know nothing about but he seems to enjoy and is progressing well. The middle boy who is nearly five goes swimming and it has finally started to work for him. "Daddy, I swam a width without a floaty belt!" he yelled at me last night when I got home from work. I was so pleased for him. Quite apart from being independent in the water, having his own successes may allow him to move out of his big brother's shadow. What I have learned from these personal and vicarious experiences is that the most important thing is that children are encouraged to do outside activity and pursue what interests them. And also that parents show interest in it.