re: Not enough talent: Being honest with your kids.

I went through this exact scenario as a high school student, so I’ll try to give some actual advice as to how my parents addressed it, rather than cut you down for your thread. When I was 14 my dream was to be a porn star. I’m sure glad they told me I have too small a penis before I embarrassed myself.

It will find its place. Don't inject yourself, be supportive if your perspective holds true and serve as a source of encouragement to consider alternatives

Pay for him to go to a small private school or have him go to a small rural school where he has a better chance to make the baseball team.

True statement. Let the kid be a kid, it probably keeps him out of trouble

1. If the dad’s in the picture, let him be the dad. Not saying the boy doesn’t appreciate what you’re doing, but don’t negate what the dads doing. It’s his boy, of course he thinks the world of him.

2. My oldest son was a much better football player(wr/db), but he loved baseball. When it got to the point in HS where he had to choose one or the other, I gave him my opinion, but let him make the decision. Hell, he wasn’t going pro in either, and in the big picture, it was a blip.

3. My daughter is a phenomenal softball pitcher and even better volleyball player. She only wants to do volleyball. She’s only in 8th grade, but I know that, genetically, she won’t be very tall. Despite scoring 400 points in the last 3 years, I know her height will eventually become an issue....but she enjoys it. Ultimately, their performance in school far outweighs their athletic performance...playing sports is just for fun.

Do not tell that kid he’s not good enough.. whether it’s baseball, academics, board games, etc. Build him up through encouragement

I’ll never forget the day my parents told me in high school I should pursue a teaching degree. To me, that told me they didn’t believe I was intelligent enough to get an engineering degree like they had earned. What they saw as “facing reality” turned me to discouraged and confused. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with teaching, it’s many people’s passions. But it wasn’t mine and that cut deep for a long time.

Build your child up to be a leader who goes out on a limb and tries out for the team. If he makes it then fantastic. If he doesn’t then pat him on the back, tell him he’s got great potential to do something else, and move forward.

It’s not your job to tear him down

Don’t tell him anything, let him try out and not make it.

Better life lesson to try out and get cut. Builds character. More than not trying out because stepdad says you suck, and then resenting him the rest of your life.

Let him play as long as he can

He’ll figure it out later

Maybe he hasn’t hit puberty yet

quote:

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My stepson LOVES the game

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Then you shut the frick up and encourage him as much as you can. Let him try out. If he doesn't make it then you still support him and let his dad find him a team to play on. Cant believe this is even a question.