When Saying "Yes" Means Saying "No"

Getting your child onto a club or high school ball team means giving him/her the opportunity to work hard, hang out with friends, grow in a skill he/she cares about, and be mentored by some great role models.

The one thing you need to remember? It’s a big commitment for you too. Games most weekends, practices one or more nights each week. Until your child is old enough to drive, you’ll be the one doing the shuttling back and forth.

For me, it’s meant saying “no” a lot.

“Can you come into work on Saturday to . . . ?”

“No, sorry, my son has a big tournament.”

Generally, people are very accepting of that. Saying “no” to work or other commitments in order to say “yes” to spending time with your child is one of the best choices you’ll ever make. You may need to work late another night to make up the time, but it's worth the effort. Seeing you there for every game, every practice, says to your kids that you care, that you support them, that what is important to them is important to you.

Saying “no” to work in order to say “yes” to spending time with your child is the best choice you’ll ever make. [Source: @MaxOverTees] (Click to tweet!)

Our family has spent countless weekends at the ballpark, and it’s always a great opportunity to spend time together.

Don’t be afraid to sign your child up for a more competitive team if you’ve talked it over and believe it will be the best choice for him/her. Just make sure you’re ready to say “no” to a few other things. You won’t regret it.

~Jon