Once upon a time, basketball was just a winter sport for our kids. Here in Michigan, it was something for kids to do indoors while there is snow outside. It’s a good form of exercise, and a good hobby for them.
Now, our family is entering into our fifteenth consecutive year participating in basketball. My oldest started playing in kindergarten and continued all the way through high school, and his two brothers started the same track. So, during the winter months, we usually had three basketball schedules to enjoy.
And then came the travel ball, also known as AAU. His friends were doing it so why shouldn’t he? I mean if he’s going to have a chance to play in high school then he should be playing as much as he can, Right?
Wrong!
I actually said no to travel ball for my son. I told him he had to be of a certain age before we commit to just one sport all year round.
I was a lonely parent because felt I needed to raise a well rounded athlete. I wanted to raise an athlete that would learn about other sports and new teammates.
With each season there was a different sport, and over time it was clear his passion was basketball. And it wasn’t until then that he was allowed to play on a travel team.
Variety
I was glad that he was exposed to different sports, and was able to have those experiences at a young age. It can be difficult to say “no” to your kid, but don’t we all want what is best for our kids? I know I do, and I know not everyone agrees with my way of thinking. That’s ok, after all we just want what’s best for our family.
Nevertheless, I have come to the realization that basketball never stops in my house. It’s on the tv all the time, even if it’s not during the season you can find it on some sport channel playing the NBA finals from 1994. It’s in my driveway during all four seasons, there is always someone bouncing a ball and shooting it for a buzzer beater. Throwing away a napkin, and tossing it like its the tie breaker. Some of these skills they learned from a coach, others just because they love the game. You see basketball never stops in my house, and I love it!