Posted by jhilyer on June 05, 2013 at 10:03:00 from (74.81.112.46):
I was going to respond to an earlier post about farm-help-versus-sports, but then I thought I'd just start another one.
High school sports has been blown up way, way too big. My two younger boys are both really athletic, really into sports, dang coaches and my ex-wife have them thinking they'll be big-time ball players someday. Hey, I'm all for someone having dreams, working towards goals...but not to the exclusion of EVERYTHING ELSE. My two high schoolers have no backup plan. I am trying hard to get the point across that you NEED one.
It's the coach's (and school's) fault, too - if my sons miss a practice...just one...they won't play at the game. If they don't make it to summer weight training, they'll be second string, not first (at least that's what they're told). These coaches, these schools, create an environment that TEACHES these kids that it's sports over everything.
What about developing a work ethic? I mean other than for sports. How about doing things you may not like to do, but you do them because it's your, what's the word? Oh yeah, RESPONSIBILITY. A responsibility to your family, to your dad, to something bigger than yourself. That's how I feel about baling hay (my part-time farming venture). I sell a good amount of hay, it's a part-time income. But it's more than that - it's cameraderie, the feeling of accomlishment, a job well done, and heck, we get to play with tractors!
I know my farming may not be my sons' cup of tea. I know that baling hay may be considered crap work to someone else. I know that usually, I'm not the one riding the wagon stacking bales (though I do sometimes). I am grateful for my oldest son, who DID enjoy it and still comes over to help. I am grateful to all the local kids who I've hired over the years who also enjoyed it, who didn't have sports to do in the summer.
It's just a little heartbreaking when I have to hire some OTHER kid to do the work my kids could be doing (and yes, I'd pay them for it!).
My middle son really wants an iPhone, I've told him he has to come work the hay & build up credit with me so then I will pay the monthly data fee. He won't get one otherwise. I've told him he has to work the hay until it's done. That I'll need him most sunny days for the next 3 months. 'Paid' hourly, he could easily work a year's worth of iPhone fees. He says he will. We'll see.
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