I wonder if professional athletes have any clue about the power they have as role models in a young person’s life. More importantly, I wonder how many parents realize that their kids are watching their every move and that the saying, “Do as I say, not as I do” is absolutely ridiculous. In today’s world especially, actions always speak louder than words.
As I watch my own children roleplay in the house, they talk to each other somewhat like this: One of the boys will say, “I’m Kipp (Sande) and I’m going to run the ball this time.”
Another boy will say, “Well, I’m Kale (Boomer) then, and I get to throw the ball.”
My boys end up watching our local football games at home while I dub the tapes or take stats. They know most of the players’ names because they have seen them at the house or watch them while I review game tape.
The influence that role models can have on young people is amazing, whether the role model in question likes it or not. I am constantly telling our football and basketball players that whether they want to be one or not, they are role models for the people around them. With that comes a greater responsibility to be a good student, citizen, son, and person. Without a doubt though, the best role models are the ones who practice what they preach. Over the years, Cook County has been blessed with some great young men and women who help out with our youth by coaching basketball on Saturday mornings during the winter, or by spending time in the elementary school helping out.
As I watch my children grow up, I am realizing more and more each day that their parents are indeed their number one role model. Yes, professional athletes and our local athletes all have a profound effect, but there is no comparison to mom and dad.
There is a great new song on the radio that captures this perfectly. The song, by Rodney Atkins, is titled Watching You.
If you have not heard the song, or don’t particularly like country music, you have to take the time to listen to this song somewhere. It has a great message that anyone at any age can appreciate.
In today’s society of murky morals, instant gratification, and a growing attitude of entitlement, it is more important than ever that we have positive role models that practice what they preach. It will be imperative to our children’s future success.
As a parent that means that I must live by what I teach. It also means that I must say no to certain things and live a more disciplined lifestyle if I expect my kids to follow suit. In addition, if I want my children to value hard work, than I must work hard and role model that behavior.
While superstar football players may embarrass themselves on Sunday with their ridiculous celebration of an average tackle, my kids will most likely look to me first to see what behaviors I model. If I practice what I teach, they will choose to follow me over even the highest paid athlete on Sunday afternoon.
Theonly catch is that I have to live what I teach.
Mitch Dorr, a Cook County High
School Class of 1993 graduate, is
now a social studies teacher and
coach at his former alma mater.
Mitch coaches Vikings football
and boys’ basketball.
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