reinforcing the value of hardwork-through hockey

[kurtandshan 0]

Ok, so I did a search and got some help but here's my question,

I need more ideas about reinforcing/teaching the value of hardwork and commitment(without getting too crazy) to my PeeWee. IE: game prep like not staying up late, eating halfway decent etc. (The problem is his younger brother. Peewee struggles unless rested and eating right, younger brother(same team) doesn't show same dramatic effects). So trying to reinforce these issues and commitment to want to play at a high level is a challenge because he believes everything,especially athletics, is a given because it(athletics) pretty much is for his kid brother. He says he wants to play at high level but trying to get him to see that the level he wants to be at takes work. Now I know not to push him and try not to be a crazy parent but I just want him to learn that whatever you want, it takes work. Be it hockey or life. Any suggestions?

[Polishprince85 0]

well i was in a similar situation growing up. My father would always try to push me to practice and run, even at an early age. I did it more to appease him rather than to make myself better, and that took the fun out of it. Also im sure it hindered my development as a hockey player as well. I think it would be best if you sat down with your son and asked him if this is what he really wants to accomplish. Educate him on the proper diet and training techniques, as well as work ethic and then see if he goes out and executes. If he doesnt then he just simply doesnt want to do it. Maybe just for fun but unless he challenges himself to get better, then he really doesnt care and just does it because it makes you happy and pay attention to him. Dont push him and see how he reacts. He should be intrigued by the game, and constantly want to watch it on tv, or ask questions about it. He should want to practice on his own, and constantly ask you to get him more ice-time. Also you should make him see that playing is a privelige as well and that it can be taken away at any time, if he doesnt behave properly both at home and in school. Try these things and see how he reacts. The outcome might not please you, or it might. But you have to remember it his life not yours, and no matter how hard you push him he wont accomplish nearly as much as if he was willing to do what it took. Im just speaking from experience.

[kurtandshan 0]

Thanks,still looking for more opinions....

Anyway, tried not to "push" just given him ideas and offered to work with him,built some things in the yard(partly for my training too...) given him the direction. So far its catching on slow. Never forced him to go out just suggested. Maybe its too soon for this lesson and maybe you are right he just doesn't want it as much as he says... Please keep the ideas coming.