Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 134, Number 33, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 16 August 2012 — Page 4

»Advance News • Thursday, August 16, 2012

Page A4

SUFFER FRQAA LTTTUE SYNDROME?

A similar column to this one ran years ago in the Bourbon NewsMirror. In the last couple years I have been asked to reprint it by several parents, and because I can't find the original, I looked for it and I think this (a rough draft found on my home computer) is pretty close to it. In large school districts sports teams are made up of the very best of the best, the cream of the crop; it's survival of the fittest. Just as many will go home with their tail between their legs as there will be those that will be fitted for uniforms. In small school districts, there are more opportunities for player hopefuls but they have a higher risk of becoming victims of "Daddy's Little Hero" syndrome. For some strange reason, this affliction seems only to affect male coaches; the females are normally honest enough with themselves and their children to prevent them from becoming the sport's laughingstock or the focus of resentment of every other player and their parents. The ailment causes the coach to see only through a "daddy (and sometimes an uncle) filter" through which only the young relative is the best person for the most desired of positions regardless

It’s about those family connections

The last grains of delirious fried rice had been devoured and the teapot drained of its hot spicy contents. My husband took his place in the long line at the register to pay our bill. While waiting, my two teenage sons and 1 engaged in conversation on the changes that were about to take place in our world. 1 was in the process of accepting the challenges of changing my career focus. v There were various uncertain-

LIBRARY NOTES

NAPPANEE LIBRARY Tours offered New cardholders and those interested in learning more about Library services are invited to a gujded tour of the Nappanee Public Library Monday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. In addition to discovenng where to find current bestsellers, a favorite cookbook, or the daily news, participants will be introduced

ArOUIICI, cont. from front Incorporating a sports theme for the introduction portion of the pageant, contestants will be competing on the main stage at the Martin's Supermarket Entertainment Tent, Depot Plaza, 7 p.m. Registration deadline for participation is Aug. 10 and is open to the first 25 applicants. Young women between the ages of 16 and 21 and residents of Elkhart County and all of the Wa-Nee School District are eligible for competition. The application, rules, and regulations can be found online at www.nappaneeapplefestival.org. For more information, contact coordinator Pam Shaw at 574-773-2219.

Continuous Publication Since 1879 Advance News f. „ »■ * Ul-I serving rtoppanee ct mjKunJsa PifelishU Weekly • (USPS 370-960) Periodical postage paid in Nappanee, IN 46550 PtITWMSTEI: Please send address corrections to P.O. Box 220, Plymouth, IN 46563 BMp Angel Perkins (parts Etfttr James Neil Costello Mrtslfea Mamor Cindy Stockton PreWcam/ITlMmpr Greg Hildebrand ACCMRthI Hhnpr Judi Miller MvartMnp Mss Angi Rodrigue/ ClrCMtatlW Manaper Ashley Han Classified Ads CaiM_Boo ' 933 ‘° 3s6 Monda y through Friday, 8 a m. to 5 p.m. All classifieds must be pre-paid Deadline: Monday at 11 30 am. Advertising Call Angi Rodriguez at 1 -800-933-0356 for rate information or to place an ad. Deadline: Thursday at 5 p.m. Legal Nstices Deadline: Wednesday at 5 p.m. (Week prior) Sllhscplntlnns Annual subscription price (52 issues) ** is s2l in-state and $26 out-of-state. To renew or start a new subscription, or to solve delivery problems, call the Circulation Department at 1 -800-933-0356. , jygiyg Email news items and photos to [email protected], or drop them off at the Bremen office, 126 E. Plymouth St. For possible story ideas, contact Angel Perkins, editor, at the office at 574-546-2941 or cell, 574-209-0704. Deadline: Friday at noon. Publisher reserves the right to reject, edit or cancel arty advertising at any time without liability. Publisher's liability for error is limited to the amount paid for advertising.

of their personal desires or abilities. Perhaps they feel they were short-changed as a child ... picked last for the dodgeball team in gym class too many times. Maybe they feel they can't tell junior "no" without requiring years of therapy. In reality, the child, unless he (or she) truly is the best for that position, usually gets harassed by his jealous teammates who if they've played together for any length of time know who is best in each role and know that he (or she) is only there because of his personal relation to the coach. The favored player normally knows they shouldn't be there and will act sullen or ungrateful for the offering. If he didn't his peers would eat him alive or silently (or not so silently) resent him forever. When watching these children stumble through the motions of their ill-fitting position it's achingly apparent just how badly the kids have been sorted and how blatant the coach's favoritism. Over the years 1 have personally witnessed proofs of this type of mismanagement to extents so appalling that 1 couldn't fathom why the coaches weren't embarrassed, or how their wives were brave enough to venture into the crowd. After all, it's a wife's duty to tell their husband when he is

ties for our entire family, but the excitement of the possibilities seemed to be even greater. A dear friend mentioned that my job now was to "pray and obey" so I had been waiting intently for God's specific voice in the direction I should choose. As 1 listened to the wise words from my sons, 1 could not help but let my mind wander back to the early days of mothering when I was the one giving, not receiving, advice. There had definitely been

to many special services. These include the library's newly-updat-ed online catalog, computers and copiers for use in the library; art prints, CDs, DVDs and many other materials for loan such as a portable die-cut machine, an electricity use monitor, craft patterns, and jigsaw puzzles. The library, located at 157 N. Main St., holds the tour the third Monday of every month and by appointment. For more informa-

Community

screwing up, and when they don't listen, to steer clear of him when he's in public. I've watched pitchers who should've been in the outfield, first basemen who should've been catching and saw catchers that should've played infield. I've seen kids at bat having such an awful time (they'd much rather be swimming or playing piano) that they are shaking and the look of relief glows on their face as they walk to the dugout after being struck out. I've watched half and back wings play linemen and saw those that could've run the ball as quarterbacks like they had Velcro hands and snapping pit bulls on fire at their heels sitting the bench. I've watched swimmers that I'm pretty sure are wearing lead in their suits get lapped and I'd watched tiny ballerinas crying because they hate the shoes and the stage be snoved into performing. It's an embarrassment for everyone. Coaches, the parents see it,

challenges met head on along the way as I questioned my own parenting capabilities at times. My heart desire was to stay connected to each of my sons, though they

tion, call 574-773-7919, or www.nappaneelibrary.org online. Trustees to meet The Board of Trustees of the Nappanee Public Library will meet in regular session Thursday, Aug. 23 at 7 a.m. at 157 N. Main St. The public is invited to attend. WAKARUSA LIBRARY Adults to 'dream big' "Dream Big" is the theme for the Adult Summer Reading pro-

A SUBSCRIPTION TO THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER MIGHT MAKE THAT COLLEGE DORM A LITTLE BIT MORE LIKE HOME. CALL 1-800-933-0356 TO LEARN MORE.

CL q 4 * S-- q Restoration and Collision, free Estimates • Complete a Custom Paint Wert • Performance Parts a Accessories • Insurance Claims Welcome wKJf' 66485 State Read 19 • Wakarusa - ■ - , Holiday Deadlines Due to the Labor Day holiday regular deadlines have been moved up. ThqlLeader femlniioA Advance.NeWS gfrr grromi Cttgirirpr BQP/lEQALS/CLASS DISPLAY 1 Wednesday, August 29 0 4:00 p.m. CLASSIFIEDS Thursday, August 30 0 Noon For more information please contact ua at 574-936-3101 or 1-000-933-0356 HAVE A SAFE & ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY! y ww mtwM—wl Pil(>( NPW* Or trmn: Tl«dl >«»■ JiauUmu Shapper The Review J

My two cents By Angel Perkins Editor

Moving 0n... By Yvonne Riege

and not just the ones that know their kid is the one that should hold that spot. Other parents comment, "Why isn't so-and-so playing V (fill in position here). Parents within hearing range agree and moan and wonder how much money the coach donated to the school or who he knows that put him where he is. When opposing teams and their fans comment on how mismanaged your team is, you know if s pretty bad. And why do coaches think that just because big sister was a sports hero that little sister can do anything beyond walking and chewing gum at the same time? Skill isn't in a name. Coaches, I beg of you ask yourselves why you are coaching. Is it because you want to see your daughter blast one out of the park because she can, or because you think only you will coach her best? Is she talented and you just want to bask in her glory? You can do that from the sidelines or bleachers. Do you coach because you've been doing it for a number of years before your relative came in to it or because you love the game? Then carry on. If you have any reason to want to have your family member get an advantage then that's also the wrong reason. So is the fact that you played (or play) the sport so junior should too.

were totally opposite personalities and had distinctly different goals in life. The years so quickly passed by, and now here I was on the other side of the table, listening. I paused to revel in the moment and realized the depth of character and wisdom I was gleaning from this conversation. In addition, my parenting skills were being subtly affirmed as successful. It was indeed a memorable moment, which occurred several years ago nolw, to experience both

gram at the Wakarusa Library. Adult and High School students have been reading fcualmost nine weeks to be registered for one of three grand prizes. All reading logs will need to be returned by Aug. 18 to be included in the drawing. Story hour programs set Activities, stories, crafts, and more take place during the fall Story Hour programs. Children ages 3 to 5 years may begin reg-

World’s Famous JOHN’S BUTCHER SHOP

NEW YORK STRIP $7.77 LB. BONELESS SKINLESS ITALIAN CHICKEN BREAST BBQ PORK STEAK PORK BBQ Holiday Gift Certificates • Discount to Churches for: Pot Lucks & Funeral Dinners A Fund-Raisers 158 N. Main Street • Nappanee, Indiana 773^4632 Monday-Frfday 7:00 a.m.-5:30 pan. L Saturday 7:00 a.m.-12:3Q p.m_ A

Pretend you don't know your favorite player any more than the others. Let each child play each position at least twice (everybody has their bad days and having only one chance often doesn't reflect talent or ability) and actually watch them at all those positions and play them where they belong. Unless of course you find one that it's painfully obvious that the child should be an athletic supporter, not a player wearing one. Nothing, aside from abuse of course, makes me as angry at parents I don't even know than when I see a player who looks like they would like to be anywhere but where they are doing anything but what they are. Then, use your best judgement for filling positions ... even if your "little hero" begs for his or her favorite one. Then, don't ask your fellow coaches their opinions they probably have their own "little heroes" on the team :.. ask the players who should be where. If they aren't pee-wees or first year players they WILL know. If your and their views differ greatly then check yourself. What benefit is it to them if your child is "daddy's little hero" and he or she is always on the losing team ... especially if it's the one you're coaching?

sons having matured to the point where they were quite capable of providing deep nourishment to my own soul. All previous conflicts and parenting challenges seemed to disappear in this moment while our hearts were deeply bonded. Words of understanding, advice and encouragement came following a simple family meal of fried rice and tea. Who could ask for more?

istering Aug. 20 for this program that will start Septal 7 and 18 # 10:15 a.m. Toddler Time begins Parents or caregivers and children ages 25 to 36 months may register for Toddler Time whicn will begin Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. This is a time of interaction between a child and their accompanying adult. They will hear a story, do an activity, and more.