Tuesday morning brings one of my favorite writers to my door. I’ve cited child rearing expert John Rosemond between these margins before and today for not the last time.
I almost titled today’s column “Because I said so.” That is the gist of John’s column today. He is a throwback when it comes to parenting. Good old fashioned discipline and consequences for poor decision making. Especially lack of respect.
In a recent column I posited the question as to whether you’ve ever taken a punch to the face. Let’s drop it a couple feet. Have you ever had your butt whipped? By a parent or other authority (GASP!) figure?
I’m guessing for most all of you under the age 40 the answer is no. And as the age scale goes downward there are less and less significant parental pushes to right the SS Disrespect. I admit that I never whupped my own children, but only because of scars I carry. And there were times they deserved it.
But by being a stay at home parent I was able to give them enough consistent tough love to report they are all happily sailing on the seas of their own contentment (still work to do with the 16 year old however). I was never one to check my kids into a day care so that I could get my run in (how selfish!). Would never have dreamed of letting others have a shaping hand in their formative years. Having a daily guiding presence in my kids life will be my greatest gift to them and one I hope they are able to pass along to their own.
The energy of youth keeps this orb spinning. The bridled energy of youth makes it better. While the young will always think they know more and better, the truly wise adult knows how to harness and shape that hubris towards positive outcomes.
Channeling that verve applies to adults as well. But is more difficult.
Who knows where I’m headed with this? It is back to yesterday’s column. How I respected those that brought me into the administrative end of our sport.
I didn’t always agree with my mentors but knew when to listen and when to speak (when spoken to!). It was when I was quiet that I learned the most about athletics in general and running in particular.
Authority. Kids and a lot of new adults these days, just seem to have a problem recognizing there may be someone they can learn from. Those that came before.
A few of my race credentials. Agree with me or not, I came before you.
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