Following LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling's alleged racist comments, the NBA banned Sterling for life. Instead of focusing on how wrong Sterling's comments were, I choose to focus on what young athletes (and others) can do now.
Lifebuzz.com has a recent article which offers inspirational advice in a recent post: 30 Things to Start Doing for Yourself. I encourage all of you to click on this link and take notice of #1. Start spending time with the right people. Young athletes grow and learn everyday. Sure, these kids are seeing the controversy following Sterlings' alleged comments. However, young athletes can and should learn how separation from this type of negatively and racism specifically is eminent.
Please encourage your kids to spend time with the right people. Stop racism.
-Kim
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Cheers to 2014!
I hope you are all out celebrating the New Year this evening. If not, you should be. The 2013 year is coming to end, so this is a time for new beginnings. Believe it.
What I ask of you tonight is to have a little faith. Faith can go a long way. If you believe even simply a small amount that you are your child will progress in some way, I promise you it will happen. Life is good.
My dad has spent the last 4 weeks or so in the hospital. Somehow my husband and I have managed to cover work, travel, kids, and vigilance at the Cleveland Clinic. Additionally, we managed to shop for Christmas gifts and somewhat enjoy the holidays. The best news is that Dad is recovering. I'm seriously delirious right now, but somehow all has been and is good.
I'm sure Dad's strength had something to do with his recovery (which is still in progress). However, a touch of teamwork between me, my brother, sister, and mom have led to round-the-clock vigilance and what I'd like to believe led to optimal medical care. Dad had a slight relapse, and we all pulled together and watched and monitored (and made a few suggestions…) towards his medical care. Maybe I'm naive, but I truly believe it helped the situation. When there is a will there is a way. And as the Nike saying goes--Just Do It!
Bottom line, believe in yourself, your child athlete, and in a higher power. Success is unlimited. Please be rational, and take action for yourself, your child, and for those in need. This is what life is all about.
We wish you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2014!
What I ask of you tonight is to have a little faith. Faith can go a long way. If you believe even simply a small amount that you are your child will progress in some way, I promise you it will happen. Life is good.
My dad has spent the last 4 weeks or so in the hospital. Somehow my husband and I have managed to cover work, travel, kids, and vigilance at the Cleveland Clinic. Additionally, we managed to shop for Christmas gifts and somewhat enjoy the holidays. The best news is that Dad is recovering. I'm seriously delirious right now, but somehow all has been and is good.
I'm sure Dad's strength had something to do with his recovery (which is still in progress). However, a touch of teamwork between me, my brother, sister, and mom have led to round-the-clock vigilance and what I'd like to believe led to optimal medical care. Dad had a slight relapse, and we all pulled together and watched and monitored (and made a few suggestions…) towards his medical care. Maybe I'm naive, but I truly believe it helped the situation. When there is a will there is a way. And as the Nike saying goes--Just Do It!
Bottom line, believe in yourself, your child athlete, and in a higher power. Success is unlimited. Please be rational, and take action for yourself, your child, and for those in need. This is what life is all about.
We wish you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2014!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Ban the Dyes...
Bright red, blue, green fruit snacks…yum. Picture red jello squares. Does your mouth water? Now picture clear jello squares. Tasty? Maybe not. Without the color, there is without a doubt less appeal (unless you actually taste the food).
Most food manufacturers add dyes to many, many foods. For example, yogurt, cranberry juice, popsicles, pop tarts, and even macaroni and cheese often contain dyes including red 40 or blue 5. These dyes have no nutritional value and for purely aesthetic value--the color draws you to the product, but it does not improve the taste.
Having no nutritional value does not mean an ingredient has no affect on our bodies. I'm a firm believer these dyes can highly affect children and adults with a variety of reactions. I first learned the side effect of dyes when my son at approximately 6 months olds took a liquid antibiotic. He went through 3 rounds of antibiotics for an ear infection, yet none of the 3 worked. A very wise pediatrician questioned a potential reaction to the dye in the medication. The fourth type of antibiotic, which was white, worked like a charm.
Was I overreacting? Do you think like my mother--it was just a fluke? You are wrong. Soon after the initial experience, I began paying close attention to dyes in foods. Cameron definitely slept less, ate less, and was fussier after consuming various foods with dyes.
Several years after that first experience with medications and dyes, we moved and were forced to change pediatricians. Well, the new pediatrician thought I had completely lost my mind with my aversion to dyes. Cameron was diagnosed with strep throat and the doctor refused to give him the usual white medication. He wanted to begin treatment with a medium strength medication which contained dyes.
The medication trial was a huge mistake. Within a week Cameron's strep throat progressed several to the degree we ended up in the ER. The ER doc again thought I was nuts (after listening to the background story). The doc warned us that it was almost impossible for a child to test positive for strep while taking the antibiotic that Cameron was taking, even if the meds were not working.
Long story short, Cameron tested positive for strep while taking the lovely purple antibiotic. I've never seen such a perplexed medical staff. The doc and nurses immediately rushed to Cameron with IV fluids and antibiotics.
This story is leading to a sports connection… When Cameron was approximately 5 years old, he started playing t-ball. For the most part, he was a pretty good little player. However, one day out of the blue, Cameron couldn't catch or throw a ball to save his life. He was turning around backwards on the pitcher's mound, getting hit by the ball in the head, back, or wherever, and sitting down randomly while the ball was in play. This was behavior we had never seen before.
After the game ended we asked Cameron what he had eaten earlier at the neighbor's house. It turned out he had eaten several popsicles, which are full of food dyes. There was clearly another strong reaction going on to these additives.
Earlier this week, the Today Show featured a mom campaigning against food dyes. You can read the story here. I'm pleased to see the topic is being brought to light. Please check it out, and please believe the effects are real.
Following the above story, Kraft Foods has agreed to remove artificial dyes from macaroni and cheese and other products. Check out the story here. I'm happy to see change. I wish I had petitioned for this years ago.
In the meanwhile, if you choose to avoid artificial dyes, I recommend shopping at stores such as Trader Joe's which tends to carry natural products. Another trick I learned over the past years is to search generic product ingredients. For some strange reason, generic products tend to have less additives, at least in my experiences.
If you suspect your child athlete reacts to food dyes, please try eliminating these foods from his or her diet. I will be surprised if you do not see good results. I'm a firm believer.
Most food manufacturers add dyes to many, many foods. For example, yogurt, cranberry juice, popsicles, pop tarts, and even macaroni and cheese often contain dyes including red 40 or blue 5. These dyes have no nutritional value and for purely aesthetic value--the color draws you to the product, but it does not improve the taste.
Having no nutritional value does not mean an ingredient has no affect on our bodies. I'm a firm believer these dyes can highly affect children and adults with a variety of reactions. I first learned the side effect of dyes when my son at approximately 6 months olds took a liquid antibiotic. He went through 3 rounds of antibiotics for an ear infection, yet none of the 3 worked. A very wise pediatrician questioned a potential reaction to the dye in the medication. The fourth type of antibiotic, which was white, worked like a charm.
Was I overreacting? Do you think like my mother--it was just a fluke? You are wrong. Soon after the initial experience, I began paying close attention to dyes in foods. Cameron definitely slept less, ate less, and was fussier after consuming various foods with dyes.
Several years after that first experience with medications and dyes, we moved and were forced to change pediatricians. Well, the new pediatrician thought I had completely lost my mind with my aversion to dyes. Cameron was diagnosed with strep throat and the doctor refused to give him the usual white medication. He wanted to begin treatment with a medium strength medication which contained dyes.
The medication trial was a huge mistake. Within a week Cameron's strep throat progressed several to the degree we ended up in the ER. The ER doc again thought I was nuts (after listening to the background story). The doc warned us that it was almost impossible for a child to test positive for strep while taking the antibiotic that Cameron was taking, even if the meds were not working.
Long story short, Cameron tested positive for strep while taking the lovely purple antibiotic. I've never seen such a perplexed medical staff. The doc and nurses immediately rushed to Cameron with IV fluids and antibiotics.
This story is leading to a sports connection… When Cameron was approximately 5 years old, he started playing t-ball. For the most part, he was a pretty good little player. However, one day out of the blue, Cameron couldn't catch or throw a ball to save his life. He was turning around backwards on the pitcher's mound, getting hit by the ball in the head, back, or wherever, and sitting down randomly while the ball was in play. This was behavior we had never seen before.
After the game ended we asked Cameron what he had eaten earlier at the neighbor's house. It turned out he had eaten several popsicles, which are full of food dyes. There was clearly another strong reaction going on to these additives.
Earlier this week, the Today Show featured a mom campaigning against food dyes. You can read the story here. I'm pleased to see the topic is being brought to light. Please check it out, and please believe the effects are real.
Following the above story, Kraft Foods has agreed to remove artificial dyes from macaroni and cheese and other products. Check out the story here. I'm happy to see change. I wish I had petitioned for this years ago.
In the meanwhile, if you choose to avoid artificial dyes, I recommend shopping at stores such as Trader Joe's which tends to carry natural products. Another trick I learned over the past years is to search generic product ingredients. For some strange reason, generic products tend to have less additives, at least in my experiences.
If you suspect your child athlete reacts to food dyes, please try eliminating these foods from his or her diet. I will be surprised if you do not see good results. I'm a firm believer.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
A-Rod--Guilty?
Did A-Rod take banned performance-enhancing drugs? I suppose in my book he is innocent until proven guilty. However, he likely walked the line.
Many athletes consume energy drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade, to add some potential energy. And some athletes take vitamin shakes or vitamin supplements, such as B12, which are legal substances. In my day, we took decongestants like Sudafed (which are now often banned in sports) for that extra energy burst. To a degree, these are performance-enhancing substances, yet they were legal in the past and some are legal now.
Top-notch athletes often look for the next best thing to add an edge to their game. Why not? If you feel better and you are faster or stronger or it helps your game in some way and substance is legal, I say take it, use it, do it. But do NOT cross the fine line. Stay on the legal side. Stay within the rules and win fairly. Winning feels better when it is fair.
I do not know if A-Rod is innocent or guilty. I certainly hope he turns out to be innocent. Let's not judge until he has had a fair verdict. For now, try not to jump to conclusions.
Many athletes consume energy drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade, to add some potential energy. And some athletes take vitamin shakes or vitamin supplements, such as B12, which are legal substances. In my day, we took decongestants like Sudafed (which are now often banned in sports) for that extra energy burst. To a degree, these are performance-enhancing substances, yet they were legal in the past and some are legal now.
Top-notch athletes often look for the next best thing to add an edge to their game. Why not? If you feel better and you are faster or stronger or it helps your game in some way and substance is legal, I say take it, use it, do it. But do NOT cross the fine line. Stay on the legal side. Stay within the rules and win fairly. Winning feels better when it is fair.
I do not know if A-Rod is innocent or guilty. I certainly hope he turns out to be innocent. Let's not judge until he has had a fair verdict. For now, try not to jump to conclusions.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Pray for the Boston Marathon Victims and Their Families...
My prayers are with the Boston Marathon bombing victims and their families. This is a tragedy beyond comprehension.
On a positive note, I was proud to hear about the many amazing acts of heroism, selflessness, and even flat-out thankfulness. It appears that first-responders and emergency personnel were key in getting the distressing event under control.
I have also to point out that many marathon participants, onlookers, and others performed integral actions in helping others. Many runners immediately went to hospitals and offered to give blood. Others took action helping the wounded. And some even showed courage while fear was beyond comprehension.
Bottom line--teamwork. Please learn from this tragedy and value people working together for a common goal. Everyone on a team is important from the weakest link to the strongest.
If you'd like to help, please considering donating and retweeting the following:
Thanks in advance to all who are supporting this recovery.
PEACE will prevail.
Kim
On a positive note, I was proud to hear about the many amazing acts of heroism, selflessness, and even flat-out thankfulness. It appears that first-responders and emergency personnel were key in getting the distressing event under control.
I have also to point out that many marathon participants, onlookers, and others performed integral actions in helping others. Many runners immediately went to hospitals and offered to give blood. Others took action helping the wounded. And some even showed courage while fear was beyond comprehension.
Bottom line--teamwork. Please learn from this tragedy and value people working together for a common goal. Everyone on a team is important from the weakest link to the strongest.
If you'd like to help, please considering donating and retweeting the following:
You can help by donating at patriots.com/donate with "Boston Marathon" in the message field. #thankyou
— Joe Andruzzi (@Andruzzi63) April 16, 2013
Thanks in advance to all who are supporting this recovery.
PEACE will prevail.
Kim
Monday, February 4, 2013
Super Bowl Highlights and Lance Armstrong Lowlights
Super Bowl 2013--Fantastic! Like it or not, the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers 34-31.
The game made history with a blowout first half (Ravens took a 21-6 lead), a spectacular Beyonce halftime performance (no lip-syncing and lots of dynamic dancing), a power outage (resulting in 30+ minute game delay), and a momentum-shift second half (49ers nearly took the lead).
Stepping back to the Lance Armstrong scandal, I believe enough has been said already. I can't seriously believe anything that Armstrong says or does is legitimate considering all the lies over the years. And that's all I'm going to say because I do not believe he deserves any further publicity.
The people who deserve the limelight right now are Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. These two guys were phenomenal, in addition to the rest of their teammates. I was most impressed with how all the players remained calm throughout.
If this mom (and non-football player) followed the game (and actually understood what was going on), then you know it was a great game. Sorry, moms, I'm sure many of you know the ins and outs of football, but many of us females still struggle a bit. Have you ever seen me throw a ball? Don't even bother to picture it. I once threw the remote control across the room to Ed, not AT Ed, and the remote hit his glass of wine (which immediately broke and stained the carpet, needless to say).
One last issue to mention...President Obama commented on concussions and football. In my next post, I will rant yet again.
Congratulations, Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens!
-Kim
The game made history with a blowout first half (Ravens took a 21-6 lead), a spectacular Beyonce halftime performance (no lip-syncing and lots of dynamic dancing), a power outage (resulting in 30+ minute game delay), and a momentum-shift second half (49ers nearly took the lead).
Stepping back to the Lance Armstrong scandal, I believe enough has been said already. I can't seriously believe anything that Armstrong says or does is legitimate considering all the lies over the years. And that's all I'm going to say because I do not believe he deserves any further publicity.
The people who deserve the limelight right now are Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco and 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. These two guys were phenomenal, in addition to the rest of their teammates. I was most impressed with how all the players remained calm throughout.
If this mom (and non-football player) followed the game (and actually understood what was going on), then you know it was a great game. Sorry, moms, I'm sure many of you know the ins and outs of football, but many of us females still struggle a bit. Have you ever seen me throw a ball? Don't even bother to picture it. I once threw the remote control across the room to Ed, not AT Ed, and the remote hit his glass of wine (which immediately broke and stained the carpet, needless to say).
One last issue to mention...President Obama commented on concussions and football. In my next post, I will rant yet again.
Congratulations, Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens!
-Kim
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Fall from Grace?
Tour-de-France superstar Lance Armstrong appears on Oprah tonight. Following years of years of alleged scandal, what precisely will Armstrong address and what will he admit? That remains to be seen.
You can view the two-night worldwide exclusive tonight (Jan. 17) at 9/8c on OWNTV.
I'll comment after both shows air.
-Kim
You can view the two-night worldwide exclusive tonight (Jan. 17) at 9/8c on OWNTV.
I'll comment after both shows air.
-Kim
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Revisiting Resilience...
I'm finally getting back to the resilience topic. Better late than never...(as the saying goes).
Given the fact that it has taken me over a month to write this post, I'm certain resilience is an important topic. And I am a good example. My intention to write this post weeks ago were good, but life got in my way--Thanksgiving, work projects, youth sports games...blah, blah, blah.
At last, I stepped back and looked at my process. Without resilience, I might have shut my blog down and disappeared. Instead, I determined that writing in the morning before my day begins might solve my problem. Even if I didn't write the entire post in one day, at least it would be a step in the right direction...progress...words are on the screen.
Resilience means bouncing back, persevering, not letting negative outcomes or results or lack of progress get you down. Did Michael Jordan stop playing basketball when he was cut from his High School basketball team? No. He clearly moved forward and became one of the best professional basketball players in the world.
My point here is that you should help your child persevere when he or she loves a sport. With or without talent, he or she can always improve and become a better player. Keep your eyes open for opportunities to help her learn or even to step back in order to progress forward.
For the last several years my son Cameron was quite a bit smaller than other players in his age group. Cameron had to work hard to earn a spot on a high-level hockey team. At last he grew this summer and is now average size. And he now stands out as a strong, skilled player. Last year you would have never noticed him on the ice. He blended in and barely held his own.
I am thankful Cameron kept trying out for a high-level hockey team year after year and kept working hard. He is now where he wants to be and hopes to go beyond. We are yet again looking at the process and deciding what steps he can take to progress even further.
Circumstances, players, coaches, teams, etc. are forever changing. Your child can adapt. You can adapt. You can learn from good experiences and learn from bad experiences, as well. Just help your child to continue moving forward. Embrace resilience.
I would love to hear your stories on how your child athlete has remained resilient resulting in a positive outcome. Please post your comments...
Given the fact that it has taken me over a month to write this post, I'm certain resilience is an important topic. And I am a good example. My intention to write this post weeks ago were good, but life got in my way--Thanksgiving, work projects, youth sports games...blah, blah, blah.
At last, I stepped back and looked at my process. Without resilience, I might have shut my blog down and disappeared. Instead, I determined that writing in the morning before my day begins might solve my problem. Even if I didn't write the entire post in one day, at least it would be a step in the right direction...progress...words are on the screen.
Resilience means bouncing back, persevering, not letting negative outcomes or results or lack of progress get you down. Did Michael Jordan stop playing basketball when he was cut from his High School basketball team? No. He clearly moved forward and became one of the best professional basketball players in the world.
My point here is that you should help your child persevere when he or she loves a sport. With or without talent, he or she can always improve and become a better player. Keep your eyes open for opportunities to help her learn or even to step back in order to progress forward.
For the last several years my son Cameron was quite a bit smaller than other players in his age group. Cameron had to work hard to earn a spot on a high-level hockey team. At last he grew this summer and is now average size. And he now stands out as a strong, skilled player. Last year you would have never noticed him on the ice. He blended in and barely held his own.
I am thankful Cameron kept trying out for a high-level hockey team year after year and kept working hard. He is now where he wants to be and hopes to go beyond. We are yet again looking at the process and deciding what steps he can take to progress even further.
Circumstances, players, coaches, teams, etc. are forever changing. Your child can adapt. You can adapt. You can learn from good experiences and learn from bad experiences, as well. Just help your child to continue moving forward. Embrace resilience.
I would love to hear your stories on how your child athlete has remained resilient resulting in a positive outcome. Please post your comments...
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Resilience...
Today, I recommend listening to this video of Bruce Bochy, San Francisco Giants Manager, posted on The Positive Coaching Alliance web site. Coach Bochy elaborates on how young athletes can develop resilience and why it is important.
Resilience is key for successful young athletes. I've seen many parents protect their kids from failures and to a degree from defeat in sports. You know the type--the mom who doesn't allow her son to try out for a high-level team and risk getting cut. Instead, she guides her son to a local, lower-level team.
Please watch the video (link above) and ponder this. Tomorrow, I will write another post on the topic because I have a lot more to say...
Kim
Resilience is key for successful young athletes. I've seen many parents protect their kids from failures and to a degree from defeat in sports. You know the type--the mom who doesn't allow her son to try out for a high-level team and risk getting cut. Instead, she guides her son to a local, lower-level team.
Please watch the video (link above) and ponder this. Tomorrow, I will write another post on the topic because I have a lot more to say...
Kim
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Kindle the Fire...
Last night, my daughter Breea was trying to choose an audition song for the church festival. I attempted to help her choose a song that she could actually sing well. However, she had a different path in mind...
Needless to say...after filming several videos of Breea singing an appropriate audition song (which she sang quite well, in my opinion), she decided to let all rules fall by the wayside. Was the song of Breea's preference appropriate for a church festival? No. But I could see the passion behind her singing, and that was somewhat shocking.
You can see Breea's passion in this inappropriate-for-church video:
Sometimes we all forget that there has to be a fire, a desire, or some sort of driving force for a child to succeed. It our job as parents to kindle the fire. Of course, with a little direction...
Needless to say...after filming several videos of Breea singing an appropriate audition song (which she sang quite well, in my opinion), she decided to let all rules fall by the wayside. Was the song of Breea's preference appropriate for a church festival? No. But I could see the passion behind her singing, and that was somewhat shocking.
You can see Breea's passion in this inappropriate-for-church video:
Sometimes we all forget that there has to be a fire, a desire, or some sort of driving force for a child to succeed. It our job as parents to kindle the fire. Of course, with a little direction...
Friday, August 10, 2012
2012 Olympics: The Mental Games
You all know that Olympic athletes physically train at intense levels. Those muscles are incredible. Beautiful. If you haven't noticed...simply ask any man and he'll tell you all about the beach volleyball bodies.
What about the mental edge? You can't actually physically see mental strength or weakness. However, you can get a sense for it. There's something about the look in an athlete's eyes--determination, focus, intensity. You can't measure it. And it can change in a heartbeat.
When the pressure is on, mental focus can make or break an athlete. There were several recent Olympic scenarios in which athletes overcame the mental strain of unexpected losses and succeeded:
- Swimmer Michael Phelps narrowly qualified for the final round in his 2012 Olympic opening race. He also failed to medal in that race. But Phelps persevered and went on to win an individual silver, 2 individual gold, 2 relay gold, and 1 relay silver.
- 2011 world all-around champion gymnast Jordyn Wieber failed to qualify for the Olympic all-around finals. Yet she persevered and helped lead the U.S. team to gold.
- Gymnast Gabby Douglas was the underdog, but pulled herself together and won the all-around gold. In my opinion, she became mentally exhausted (and possibly physically exhausted) from all the pressure, then struggled a bit in the event finals.
- The U.S. women’s soccer team earned several come-from-behind wins and in the end took the gold.
These athletes did not sink amid disappointment. Champions continue to fight. Most aim to replace a bad result with another good result. For example, if she loses one race, she focuses on winning the next.
No matter how good you are, you will always face mental obstacles and will always have room for improvement and greater success.
I’m a firm believer that success is always possible eventually… One word sums it up for me: Believe.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Go, Mom, Go!
A youth hockey mom ran onto the ice and yelled at the refs for not stopping several fights (which had gone on for an excessive amount of time) last weekend. This episode occurred during a tournament game, so the players were likely appalled by the mom's actions.
You can view the video clip on Inside Edition here.
If I ran out on the ice, my boys would have been mortified. But...I have to admit that given the right circumstances, I would have done the same thing as the mom in the video. I will cross the humiliation line when it comes to protecting my children.
I will do whatever is necessary to keep my children safe. I will speak up and stop a parent from beating his child at a store. I will confront a teacher if I hear her berating a child in a classroom. I will immediately stop a child molester from touching a child inappropriately.
Is running onto the ice to stop a hockey fight any different from these scenarios? In my opinion, no. It is protecting children. Point blank.
Truth be told, I have stopped a parent from beating his child in a Target store. I have reprimanded a coach for inappropriate coaching during a game (I have only done this one time in 17 years, btw). I have even stood between an irate parent and a coach during a heated discussion in order to stop potential punches.
My children have all been embarrassed by my actions at one time or another. However, my actions are no different than enforcing bedtimes. There are just some things that are mandatory.
I beg you...protect your children.
You can view the video clip on Inside Edition here.
If I ran out on the ice, my boys would have been mortified. But...I have to admit that given the right circumstances, I would have done the same thing as the mom in the video. I will cross the humiliation line when it comes to protecting my children.
I will do whatever is necessary to keep my children safe. I will speak up and stop a parent from beating his child at a store. I will confront a teacher if I hear her berating a child in a classroom. I will immediately stop a child molester from touching a child inappropriately.
Is running onto the ice to stop a hockey fight any different from these scenarios? In my opinion, no. It is protecting children. Point blank.
Truth be told, I have stopped a parent from beating his child in a Target store. I have reprimanded a coach for inappropriate coaching during a game (I have only done this one time in 17 years, btw). I have even stood between an irate parent and a coach during a heated discussion in order to stop potential punches.
My children have all been embarrassed by my actions at one time or another. However, my actions are no different than enforcing bedtimes. There are just some things that are mandatory.
I beg you...protect your children.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Good and Bad Sportsmanship
Inside Edition featured a couple of videos which displayed good and bad sportsmanship. Check it out at: GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP WINS OUT.
I find it amazing that some people get caught up in excitement in extreme ways. The young girl in the first video was about to place first in a huge race, yet she stopped to help an ailing competitor. The older girl in the second video pulled a pair of cleats right out of a young child's hands.
I think that older girl (more specifically 45 years old I believe) could use some counseling. She should certainly have the ability to control herself and not go gaga over a star football player.
In my opinion, sportsmanship comes down to a combination of personality, how a child is raised, and what a child has been taught. What do you think?
I find it amazing that some people get caught up in excitement in extreme ways. The young girl in the first video was about to place first in a huge race, yet she stopped to help an ailing competitor. The older girl in the second video pulled a pair of cleats right out of a young child's hands.
I think that older girl (more specifically 45 years old I believe) could use some counseling. She should certainly have the ability to control herself and not go gaga over a star football player.
In my opinion, sportsmanship comes down to a combination of personality, how a child is raised, and what a child has been taught. What do you think?
Friday, May 18, 2012
Role Reversal...
A daughter consoled her dad after a soccer game. Ironic, yet true. Once in awhile we all need to lighten up, and the following video is a good reminder:
Monday, April 23, 2012
Concussions and the Return-to-Play Roadmap
Concussions are rampant in youth sports today, and appropriate treatment often goes by the wayside. Why? Kids want to stay in the game and often neglect to mention or downplay symptoms.
Disclaimer: I'm not a medical expert in this area, so please seek professional medical attention if you suspect your child has a concussion.
Our son Cameron suffered a concussion during a hockey game a few months ago. Yes, he took a direct hit to the head. But his symptoms were minor and he stayed in the game. The coach noticed he was mentally responding a tad slower than usual so he limited his playing time.
After removing his helmet at the end of the game, Cameron said that he immediately had a headache and was nauseous.
Later in the evening, Cameron's headache symptoms progressed by the hour. In the morning, the headache persisted and he mentioned that he couldn't concentrate. Ed and I both noticed his focus seemed off.
Mistake #1: We assumed he was getting a virus and was trying to get out of going to school. Wrong. He was really in true pain with a pounding headache. At a doctor visit later in the day, the doc verified that Cameron had a concussion.
The doctor analyzed the symptoms and administered an Impact test (cognitive baseline test), comparing the results to the test Cameron had taken before the season began.
We (Ed and I) quickly learned that sending Cameron to school was a big no-no. To heal the brain, it is best to rest. That means flat out no concentrating, no focusing, no watching TV and no playing video games.
What the heck? In my day, if your head hurt, you sucked it up. Ed likely had numerous concussions (what hockey player hasn't taken a hit to the head?), yet he never took a day off. Staying out of the game and out of school seemed insane to us.
Times have changed. I can understand why. Cameron was unable to focus. I noticed this immediately upon seeing his schoolwork scores drop in one day. He couldn't answer simple questions with a normal response.
Mistake #2: We ignored minor symptoms which appeared after Cameron had been cleared by the doctor and returned to practice. Although he had minor headache after returning to physical activities, we allowed Cameron to play in a game (without a re-check by the doctor). The result was a second concussion approximately three weeks after the first.
He barely got hit in the head, yet full-blown concussion symptoms returned later that evening following the game. This time he even appeared much worse as I could see the pain in face. His eyes were half open and his face was definitely flush. He went to watch another hockey game that even and several people noticed that he didn't look well.
So I now emphasis to all parents (and to myself) follow the appropriate return-to-play guidelines. If your child returns too soon after a concussion, there is a higher risk of a second concussion. To see recommended return-to-play guidelines, go to this link.
The most important (and probably the most neglected) guideline is to return to the previous step if any concussion symptoms occur. I beg you to pay attention to this advice.
With a second concussion, Cameron remained out of physical activity for nearly a month. He still has not returned to competitive play two months later. I plan on holding him out as long as possible since the hockey season is now over.
Fortunately his symptoms have not returned. Fingers crossed that his brain heals well enough (and is strong enough) to safely return to the game in time for next season's tryouts (in late May). We will definitely have the doctor preform a re-check shortly before he returns to game play. I pray that we avoid mistake #3.
Disclaimer: I'm not a medical expert in this area, so please seek professional medical attention if you suspect your child has a concussion.
Our son Cameron suffered a concussion during a hockey game a few months ago. Yes, he took a direct hit to the head. But his symptoms were minor and he stayed in the game. The coach noticed he was mentally responding a tad slower than usual so he limited his playing time.
After removing his helmet at the end of the game, Cameron said that he immediately had a headache and was nauseous.
Later in the evening, Cameron's headache symptoms progressed by the hour. In the morning, the headache persisted and he mentioned that he couldn't concentrate. Ed and I both noticed his focus seemed off.
Mistake #1: We assumed he was getting a virus and was trying to get out of going to school. Wrong. He was really in true pain with a pounding headache. At a doctor visit later in the day, the doc verified that Cameron had a concussion.
The doctor analyzed the symptoms and administered an Impact test (cognitive baseline test), comparing the results to the test Cameron had taken before the season began.
We (Ed and I) quickly learned that sending Cameron to school was a big no-no. To heal the brain, it is best to rest. That means flat out no concentrating, no focusing, no watching TV and no playing video games.
What the heck? In my day, if your head hurt, you sucked it up. Ed likely had numerous concussions (what hockey player hasn't taken a hit to the head?), yet he never took a day off. Staying out of the game and out of school seemed insane to us.
Times have changed. I can understand why. Cameron was unable to focus. I noticed this immediately upon seeing his schoolwork scores drop in one day. He couldn't answer simple questions with a normal response.
Mistake #2: We ignored minor symptoms which appeared after Cameron had been cleared by the doctor and returned to practice. Although he had minor headache after returning to physical activities, we allowed Cameron to play in a game (without a re-check by the doctor). The result was a second concussion approximately three weeks after the first.
He barely got hit in the head, yet full-blown concussion symptoms returned later that evening following the game. This time he even appeared much worse as I could see the pain in face. His eyes were half open and his face was definitely flush. He went to watch another hockey game that even and several people noticed that he didn't look well.
So I now emphasis to all parents (and to myself) follow the appropriate return-to-play guidelines. If your child returns too soon after a concussion, there is a higher risk of a second concussion. To see recommended return-to-play guidelines, go to this link.
The most important (and probably the most neglected) guideline is to return to the previous step if any concussion symptoms occur. I beg you to pay attention to this advice.
With a second concussion, Cameron remained out of physical activity for nearly a month. He still has not returned to competitive play two months later. I plan on holding him out as long as possible since the hockey season is now over.
Fortunately his symptoms have not returned. Fingers crossed that his brain heals well enough (and is strong enough) to safely return to the game in time for next season's tryouts (in late May). We will definitely have the doctor preform a re-check shortly before he returns to game play. I pray that we avoid mistake #3.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Kids and Knee Injuries
If you're not aware already...the number of knee injuries is on the increase for young athletes.
The Today Show had a segment on this topic yesterday, Feb. 28. In the first part of the story, you will hear from Dr. Theodore Ganley, director of sports medicine at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. I'm biased because I've worked directly with Dr. Ganley in the past. His insight and research are amazing.
You can view the video here: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/#46554979
I have to admit that I hear of knee injury after knee injury from coaches whom I've interviewed in the past. Tearing an ACL is almost commonplace these days.
Injury prevention is key, so please, do what you can to keep your child injury-free...
The Today Show had a segment on this topic yesterday, Feb. 28. In the first part of the story, you will hear from Dr. Theodore Ganley, director of sports medicine at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. I'm biased because I've worked directly with Dr. Ganley in the past. His insight and research are amazing.
You can view the video here: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/
I have to admit that I hear of knee injury after knee injury from coaches whom I've interviewed in the past. Tearing an ACL is almost commonplace these days.
Injury prevention is key, so please, do what you can to keep your child injury-free...
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
More Abuse...
After I blogged last month on child abuse, there have been several high-profile abuse allegations. Both Syracuse basketball coach Bernie Fine and former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky were accused of multiple counts of sex abuse. Disgusting.
How does this happen? Honestly, I'm not certain. But one thing I am certain of is that I want to protect my children.
I have personally met sexual abusers and suspected sexual abusers. My fifth grade math teacher went to jail for molesting students during class. I also know a coach who was repeatedly accused of sexual abuse, but no charges were ever filed. Based on a few personal observations, here are several signs of potential abuse:
Please, keep your children safe. Just my two cents...
Kim
How does this happen? Honestly, I'm not certain. But one thing I am certain of is that I want to protect my children.
I have personally met sexual abusers and suspected sexual abusers. My fifth grade math teacher went to jail for molesting students during class. I also know a coach who was repeatedly accused of sexual abuse, but no charges were ever filed. Based on a few personal observations, here are several signs of potential abuse:
- Coaches lingering around showers.
- Kids sitting on coaches laps.
- Coaches being overly friendly (or too touchy...).
- Coaches selectively giving lavish or excessive gifts.
Please, keep your children safe. Just my two cents...
Kim
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Child Abuse--Protect Your Child...
I'm thoroughly disgusted by the the video released today (for which I will not post a link) of a Texas judge whipping his 16-year-old daughter with a belt. First, I'm going to scream at all of you--protect your children!
In school, church, athletic, and other programs, there are abusers and child molesters out there. And, of course, there are abusers within homes by caregivers, parents, friends, and relatives. This is horrendous. I truly want to vomit as I write this. Children are often innocent and helpless. We need to keep our eyes open and attempt to keep our children safe and unharmed.
As parents, we need to teach our children right from wrong. The child in the video which I mentioned above, was being punished for illegally downloading from internet. Sure, that is wrong. However, if the child's father had parked illegally and received a parking ticket, would the child have had the right to beat the father with a belt? No way. I know many of you might disagree, but I believe if it is not appropriate for adults to hit other adults, then it is not appropriate for adults to hit children. You can argue with me, but that is my stance.
Please, in the best interest of your child's mental and physical health, do not abuse your children. Also, report any abuse that you might suspect or oversee. I beg you...
In school, church, athletic, and other programs, there are abusers and child molesters out there. And, of course, there are abusers within homes by caregivers, parents, friends, and relatives. This is horrendous. I truly want to vomit as I write this. Children are often innocent and helpless. We need to keep our eyes open and attempt to keep our children safe and unharmed.
As parents, we need to teach our children right from wrong. The child in the video which I mentioned above, was being punished for illegally downloading from internet. Sure, that is wrong. However, if the child's father had parked illegally and received a parking ticket, would the child have had the right to beat the father with a belt? No way. I know many of you might disagree, but I believe if it is not appropriate for adults to hit other adults, then it is not appropriate for adults to hit children. You can argue with me, but that is my stance.
Please, in the best interest of your child's mental and physical health, do not abuse your children. Also, report any abuse that you might suspect or oversee. I beg you...
Sunday, August 28, 2011
The Responsible Athlete...
From forgetting (or neglecting) to put dishes in the dishwasher to attending practice without a water bottle, kids are irresponsible. We all know this is the case.
Is self-responsibility important? Absolutely. Many (but not all) of us tend to baby our athletes. You know what I mean--allowing her to head to school late after a long weekend of travel, buying a water bottle or Gatorade for the vending machine after she forgot to bring one from home, or purchasing a mouthguard from the soccer pro shop because she "lost" hers and didn't place the spare in her bag.
I admit it--I'm guilty of enabling my kids. I don't want to see my children miserable and forced to miss a game or practice when I can fix their mistakes. For the most part, this is human nature.
That said, I beg you to allow your children to make their own mistakes and pay the consequences. He or she will without a doubt become more responsible and remember to perform key tasks. For example, if he misses a game because he doesn't have a mouthguard, he'll surely remember to have it with him at the next game, or if he attends enough practices without water or gatorade, eventually he'll become thirsty enough and remember to pack a drink.
Now, please remind me to practice what I preach...
Kim
Monday, July 18, 2011
Congratulations USA Women's Soccer!
In yesterday's World Cup finals, Team USA won 2nd place behind Japan. Wow.
Sure, the US ladies should have taken gold (in my opinion) because they beat Japan many times in the past. However, things worked out differently. And 2nd place in the world is still amazing.
Hang in there Team USA--you will return. Redemption is sweet!
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