MISS SPORTING ACTIVITY TO DO CHORES?
Helping Kids Balance Athletic Goals and Life Lessons
By Kevin Anselmo
What percentage of parents would make their child miss an important game or practice to teach a lesson about household chores?
Steph Curry’s Mom Did Just That!
As a high school student, Steph Curry was deeply passionate about basketball and had dreams of playing at a high level, inspired by his father who was playing in the NBA. However, his mom, Sonya Curry, was determined to teach him that responsibility at home was just as crucial as his commitment to sports.
In her memoir, Fierce Love: A Memoir of Family, Faith, and Purpose, Sonya recounts how she noticed Steph repeatedly neglecting his dishwashing chores. Like many teenagers, Steph thought he could skip them or do them later. But Sonya was firm about her expectations.
After several warnings, Sonya took a decisive step. On a day when Steph was set for practice, she told him he couldn’t go due to his failure to complete his chores. Despite his protests, she stuck to her decision and even met with his coach to explain the situation. Consequently, Steph was benched for the start of the next game.
The Bigger Picture
Sonya Curry’s approach wasn’t just about missing one practice; it was about teaching a crucial lesson in responsibility and accountability. She wanted Steph to understand that discipline and commitment are essential in all aspects of life, not just on the court. At the time, Steph was upset, but he later credited his mom with instilling values that have shaped his career and work ethic.
Lessons for Ambitious Youth Sports Parents
You might see the merit in such an approach but struggle with the decision. It’s understandable; making a child miss a game or practice to teach a lesson can be challenging.
We don’t want to upset our child too much.
We risk letting down the team.
Our child might face long-term consequences, like being benched permanently or losing a college scholarship opportunity.
We worry that such decisions may seem too extreme.
Questions to Consider
When balancing sports and life lessons, consider these questions:
What core values do I want my child to carry beyond sports? Am I emphasizing responsibility, accountability, and discipline over short-term victories?
How am I preparing my child for life beyond the game? Am I teaching lessons that will benefit them in the real world, not just in sports?
Am I placing too much weight on youth sports? Is missing a practice or game a real setback, or a chance to instill a valuable life lesson?
Let’s change the environment in youth sports! Access the free book “Championing Character - The Playbook for Parents to Support Your Child’s Growth through Youth Sports” (there is an online version or you can listen to the audiobook). Also discover how we can collaborate to share the championing character message in youth leagues and school athletic programs.