You probably heard about the Utah coach who suspended his entire football team a week before their big homecoming game.
Coach Matt Labrum had known players were being disciplined for being disrespectful and skipping classes. When some were accused of cyberbullying, it was the last straw.
He decided his Union High team needed a wake-up call.
Labrum told all 80 players they were suspended and to turn in their jerseys. The new emphasis would be on building character and only those who earned the privilege to play would make the team.
He describes it as "an emotional moment on all sides."
Coach Labrum told the Deseret News, "We need to focus on some other things that are more important than winning a football game."
The players got the message. The next day, Saturday, at 7 a.m., all players turned up at Roosevelt Union High, as directed. Labrum explained that to earn their way back they'd need to perform community service. Practice hours would be devoted to character classes.
Right away the players dug in, cleaning up streets, pulling weeds and volunteering at local senior centers. At Monday's character class players were instructed to list their personal character weaknesses--and did.
Several said they now realize it's a privilege to wear their uniforms and represent their school. Senior running back Gavin Nielsen said, "This helped me realize, it's not all about football."
Thumbs up for parents and the community for supporting the coach. And yes, the team will play in that homecoming game.
Like a wise parent, Coach Labrum provided "tough love" along with tender love
Real life is more than football, too. More than winning awards. More than appearance or talent or cleverness or being an honor student. More than getting into the "best" colleges or making a lot of money.
Parents brag about these things, but they're not what matter most.
Otherwise we wouldn't see a steady news parade of individuals with "all the advantages" who are a mess, living out empty lives.
How do we help our kids develop right attitudes?
It starts with helping our kids grow strong from the inside out. Strong enough to make it through life even when they're away from us.
Strong enough to do the right thing, even when everyone else is doing wrong.
It takes loving them with our whole hearts. That's the easy part. The hard part is setting clear limits--and enforcing them. Every time.
Keeping that balance often feels like trying to walk a tightrope and know we need help. We'll find it if we ask. No fancy words needed. A simple, "Help me, Lord, please," is quite enough.
The sooner we start, the better. If we follow through every time, our kids soon figure out Mommy means business and they may as well obey the first time.
Finding our way through
Our call as moms is to help our children grow into people ready to live without us. That often feels like two steps forward and one step back.
It's not all about us.
A solid base of faith and being involved in a strong church which teaches Bible Truth can make all the difference. Here we'll make friends among people who share our values. So will our kids.
Children who know Jesus loves them feel more secure in a harsh world. Knowing their Best Friend is always with them is way better than a cuddly teddy bear.
As youngsters grow into adolescence hanging with Christian kids who support them in making right choices can aid our teens in staying on-track.
The Bottom Line
Being a parent takes all we have and then some. We walk in faith and pray every step of the way.
I used to think that meant I was weak.
Now I know it's exactly the right position to be in.
Lovingly,
Lenore
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