Wax on, wax off
Every night this week, from 5:30 to 8, and this weekend from 2-6pm: SOFTBALL.
Amanda and I had no idea what we were signing up for when entered the all-encompassing world that is Little League.
Even though it’s been hard on our schedules, I enjoy watching the girls play and practicing with them in the backyard. We are spending so much more time outside together and I love that they like to practice with me.
Of course, practice sometimes means tears of frustration, and comments like:
“That’s not what my coach told me to do.”
“Dad, you’re throwing too high.”
“I don’t want to do it that way.”
It’s hard to be the parent and the teacher. They want to get better, but as soon as I open my mouth with suggestions, they resist.
I know this is normal. When you teach loved ones, emotions run high and patience runs short.
So, like any parent, I turn to movies.
To teach them the importance of practicing fundamentals, we watched The Karate Kid. Now when they complain about a practice drill, I just say “Wax on, wax off.” My Mr. Miyagi impression makes them giggle, and they usually get on board.
They were frustrated with their throws going wild when they threw the ball hard, so I rented Major League. Remember Charlie Sheen as Wild Thing? Now when they throw a wild pitch, I say, “Wild Thing, I think I love you,” and their frustration melts away.
These past few weeks have reminded me how much I love to strategize, teach, and coach.
I wasn’t expecting softball to awaken this, but once it was clear the girls really wanted to learn and get better, something triggered in me, and I’ve been all in since.
The more they want to practice, the more I want to become a better teacher.
Whenever the going gets tough, I remember what Mr. Miyagi said, “No such thing as bad student, only bad teacher.”
Mike Turner
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