Sports can create memories for life

Father's Day, 2016.  Yes that is the day Lebron brought Cleveland a championship.  But how many fathers bonded with their kids while watching him do it? What a Father's Day memory. I was lucky enough to go with my daughter (a one day trip across the country for a silly basketball game-but it was for the memory of travelling with her, more than for the game).  Whether a dad gets to attend a memorable sporting event with their child, or watches it on television, the highs and lows sports can bring out are memorable.  No matter what your mood, if your favorite team wins, or loses, the emotions are often raw and immediate.  There is no time to consider what the proper response is to a bad call by a referee or a great shot by the other team. Your true emotions surface and your kids see you as you are.  And why not?  Sports is not war and is not life or death, yet we often react strongly and when we go through a triumphant win or a devastating loss vicariously with a team we love (or hate), we share our emotions "on our sleeve".  And that creates a bond.  And sharing our true selves, our true, raw emotions with our children (hopefully in a cautious way and not with profanity) is something many of us do not do often enough.  Try watching a sporting event with your child.  See how they watch (and imitate) you.  Enjoy watching and being with your child.  Between the details of the game and the memory of experiencing it with your child, there is no doubt which will last longer, for you and for them.