The 24-hour rule was established at a high school where my husband taught and coached for many years. The rule was simply this: if you have a problem with the coach after a game, wait 24 hours before talking to him or her.
Unfortunately, parents didn’t always abide by the rule and the result was usually a heated and unproductive conversation. Usually, nothing beneficial comes out of heat-of-the-moment exchanges.
Recently a sports mom wrote me to explain that she decided to apply that rule to talking with her son. This is what she said.
So here’s my challenge to you, parents. Take the 24-hour rule that applies to coaching conversations and apply it to the conversations you feel compelled to have with your child after a game.
I’m guessing that the 24-hour delay will tweak your perspective and keep you from saying things that only add tension to your relationship with your child. If what you feel you need to say truly is important and must be said, it will still be important 24 hours later.
Give it a try and then please get back to me and let me know. Email me at sportparents@rcfamilies.com or leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your 24 hour story!
Are you struggling with a specific problem in your parenting? Do you feel like you’ve hit a wall and just don’t know how to move forward with a certain issue?
I’m a certified life coach who can help you. I’m not a counselor, therapist, or even a consultant. I will not tell you what to do, but I will help you figure out what to do.
I believe so strongly in the value of life coaching (I’ve been coached many times myself) that I will give you your first two sessions for only $25 each, over 50% off the usual hourly rate. Contact me at sportsparents@rcfamilies.com and mention the code: 24-hour post.
I look forward to hearing from you!