Parents: What are YOUR goals this season?

If your daughter dreams up big goals for the season, why can’t you make some too? After all, you do almost as much work as she does! You drive her to practice, coach, help at lessons, raise money, offer emotional support, give her pep talks, and teach her life skills. How about creating some parent-softball goals? Softball not only teaches your daughter physical and life skills, but it teaches you those things too.

Maybe consider things like, “go outside to catch for my daughter at least 3 times per week,” or “do the Coach Sarah’s online strength and conditioning workout with her on Tuesdays.” Think about this: you are throwing back 50-150 balls per practice back to your daughter. Your arm will feel the effects. Prevent injury by developing proper overhand throwing mechanics. You played softball or baseball in high school, but we all know how quickly the bad habits form over time. Watch this video and make a goal like “have Paige Halstead’s throwing skills within six months.”

Would you like to become an excellent framer? Or how about hitting your fungo target 80% of the time?

If metaphysical goals are more your style, then refraining from “sassing” the ump, or push-ups for negative self-talk could work. Make goals that have to do with how you treat your daughter, coaches, and other parents.

Can you challenge yourself to perform the noblest of all feats and get the three kids, the dog, and the babysitter ready in time to arrive ten minutes early for every practice? Start a new tradition with the parents by starting a list for who’s going to bring the beverages each game (I won’t ask what kind).

Sometimes coming up with your own goals can remove some of the focus you have on how other people are affecting you. It relieves the boredom or stress and adds some fun. It might help you to control what’s controllable and be the best you can be, just like you want your daughter to be.