The Only Questions I Ask My Kids' Coaches

Does she listen?

Does he do what you are asking you to do?

Is she respectful?

Is he a good teammate?

Does she work hard for you?

What does he need to do to get better?

During the season, these are the only questions that I ask my kids' coaches.  I can see everything else, but I try to stay out of the way and let their coaches coach, and I let my kids play.  

I watch to see if my kids are having fun.  I watch to see if they are growing and developing, and I can tell if they are getting better in comparison to his/her peers, and I can tell if the team as a group is growing and getting better in comparison to other teams.  I care more about my kid's character and work ethic than anything because if they have the right foundation, I know that they will continue to get better.  But without the right foundation and without enjoying what they do, they will hit a plateau and won't be able to overcome adversity when it hits.

Before and after the season, when my kids get older and the leagues are more competitive and when we are investing money in quality coaches and programs, I start to ask questions like:

What is your coaching style and philosophy?

What role do you see my kid playing for this team?  

What are my kid's strengths and weaknesses?

How are you going to help grow my athlete's strengths and my athlete's weaknesses?

What are your plans to grow my athlete and the team as a whole?

I want my kids to grow up to be strong, independent, respectful, hardworking, kind and loyal adults, and sports is a part of the growing up process.  It is their journey, and I am just enjoying the process and enjoying each stage, but there are a few foundational, character things that I want to make sure that they are learning.