What do I tell my son?!

[islandah]

My now 5 year old boy went to his first dolphins game 2 years ago where he saw Ricky break a few runs. Ricky became his first and only sports hero that day. Fast forward to last year. I now have to explain to a 4 year old that his sports hero decided not to play anymore. Since then, there has been no replacement (Run, Travis, Run?). I actually got a Jordan video to show him what a class athlete is like.

Now how do I tell him Ricky's coming back? Do I emphasize Brown, who may not even start? How do I get him excited without building expectations in a guy who might a.) Flake out before getting through training camp, b.) just be a back-up/change of pace, c.) Bust out with 1200 yards in his 12 game season?!

Whose jersey do I get him? (He's already got a #13) What RB does he emulate when we play in the yard?

I can't find the chapter on "enigmatic fallen-then-potentially-resurrected and/or-heartbreaking sports heroes" in the Parenting for Dummies book!

 

[jetsh8r]

Get him a Feeley jersey. A kid should look up to someone that gives it everything, and remains competitive and doesnt quit even things look the darkest. He will be rewarded for all of that this year when he plays like Brees did last year.

 

[Lungoystr]

My now 5 year old boy went to his first dolphins game 2 years ago where he saw Ricky break a few runs. Ricky became his first and only sports hero that day. Fast forward to last year. I now have to explain to a 4 year old that his sports hero decided not to play anymore. Since then, there has been no replacement (Run, Travis, Run?). I actually got a Jordan video to show him what a class athlete is like.

Now how do I tell him Ricky's coming back? Do I emphasize Brown, who may not even start? How do I get him excited without building expectations in a guy who might a.) Flake out before getting through training camp, b.) just be a back-up/change of pace, c.) Bust out with 1200 yards in his 12 game season?!

Whose jersey do I get him? (He's already got a #13) What RB does he emulate when we play in the yard?

I can't find the chapter on "enigmatic fallen-then-potentially-resurrected and/or-heartbreaking sports heroes" in the Parenting for Dummies book!

I'm sure that your son isn't losing nearly as much sleep over this as you are. Tell him that Ricky took time off because he was sick last season (not really a lie as he was sick of getting run into the ground and sick of not being able to toke freely) and now he is feeling better. If he fails upon his return, then he just wasn't well enough to play anymore. That would probably be the best was to ease the transition.........but that's just my opinion.

 

[MelbournePhin]

tell him that daddy is taking this a tad too seriously and to just enjoy the game

 

[DBoston80]

Embrace Ronnie...explain to him how UNSELFISH ronnie is and how he is SO much unlike a T.O. or Jevon Walker....Ofcourse you may want to wait until Ronnis signs.....

 

[fin-atic]

You tell him people aren't perfect, not even athletes. They are human just like he is. And just like he makes mistakes, football players make mistakes. But we are all entitled the chance to be forgiven and to try again.

Also it is a great chance to explain that heros are not athletes. Heros and role models are fathers, firemen, doctors, and people who are making a difference in life. Not guys who are just playing a game for entertainment.

 

[feeleyrox]

Get him a Feeley jersey. A kid should look up to someone that gives it everything, and remains competitive and doesnt quit even things look the darkest. He will be rewarded for all of that this year when he plays like Brees did last year.

YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! im gonna get your jersey cause your my hero! lol finally, someone who sees feeley as i do:D

 

[Timmy54]

i say tell him the truth, ricky wasted a year of his very talented career to light up! it may be a good leason early in life about drugs=looser! also give him a chance to see someone make up for mistakes and still continue on with their lives. use this as a growing experience to explain the world has alot of bad in it and the importance of staying true to yourself.

 

[FemaleFinFan]

Get him a Feeley jersey. A kid should look up to someone that gives it everything, and remains competitive and doesnt quit even things look the darkest. He will be rewarded for all of that this year when he plays like Brees did last year.

Lets hope so!

 

[#42warfieldman]

tell him that daddy is taking this a tad too seriously and to just enjoy the game

:rofl3: now thats what iam thinking!dad's expressing his feeling,using his son as a excuse.Rw is just as human as the next man,therefor he is going to make mistakes,let him live!if you really want your son to look up to someone try God!

 

[HelloMotto]

My now 5 year old boy went to his first dolphins game 2 years ago where he saw Ricky break a few runs. Ricky became his first and only sports hero that day. Fast forward to last year. I now have to explain to a 4 year old that his sports hero decided not to play anymore. Since then, there has been no replacement (Run, Travis, Run?). I actually got a Jordan video to show him what a class athlete is like.

Now how do I tell him Ricky's coming back? Do I emphasize Brown, who may not even start? How do I get him excited without building expectations in a guy who might a.) Flake out before getting through training camp, b.) just be a back-up/change of pace, c.) Bust out with 1200 yards in his 12 game season?!

Whose jersey do I get him? (He's already got a #13) What RB does he emulate when we play in the yard?



I can't find the chapter on "enigmatic fallen-then-potentially-resurrected and/or-heartbreaking sports heroes" in the Parenting for Dummies book!

tell him "sh*t happens".....

 

[#42warfieldman]

You tell him people aren't perfect, not even athletes. They are human just like he is. And just like he makes mistakes, football players make mistakes. But we are all entitled the chance to be forgiven and to try again.

Also it is a great chance to explain that heros are not athletes. Heros and role models are fathers, firemen, doctors, and people who are making a difference in life. Not guys who are just playing a game for entertainment.

:) well put!

 

[islandah]

Ha ha. I'm not taking it as seriously as you guys think. My real question is who's going to succeed/start on this team that it will be fun to root for? Ricky? Ronnie? Feeley? Frerotte? This team is so up in the air, I don't even know who to root for! (I trust in Nick, and think we'll be good this year, I just don't know who's gonna be carrying/throwing the ball.)

 

[volphinsfan]

nice post, well said

You tell him people aren't perfect, not even athletes. They are human just like he is. And just like he makes mistakes, football players make mistakes. But we are all entitled the chance to be forgiven and to try again.

Also it is a great chance to explain that heros are not athletes. Heros and role models are fathers, firemen, doctors, and people who are making a difference in life. Not guys who are just playing a game for entertainment.

 

[islandah]

You tell him people aren't perfect, not even athletes. They are human just like he is. And just like he makes mistakes, football players make mistakes. But we are all entitled the chance to be forgiven and to try again.

Also it is a great chance to explain that heros are not athletes. Heros and role models are fathers, firemen, doctors, and people who are making a difference in life. Not guys who are just playing a game for entertainment.

Point taken, and we have that type of conversation a lot. My question is simpler:

When we play basketball, he pretends to be Dwayne Wade (I'm Shaq Daddy). When he's throwing a football, he is, of course, Dan Marino. This afternoon, we're going to run around the yard with the football. He makes a move and says, "Daddy, who am I?" What name do I give him?

(And don't give me "You're you, just try your best." He just wants a fun good sports figure to emulate like we did when we were kids. )