#Get a Grip Newsletter, #16
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Hello friends,
I hope everyone is healthy and staying clear of the coronavirus. I have a spring break college trip planned with my youngest son, and now fairly certain we have to cancel. Any tips on what to do with a 16 yr old boy at home for a two-week spring break? It also looks like my middle one will be coming home from Wash U to do his semester online from home. I am sure he is just thrilled about that turn of events!
Ok, on to better topics- Last week, Katie Couric did an incredible piece called
"Thank-you Notes." It features remarkable women expressing their gratitude to the trailblazers who inspired them to face anything — with a thank you note. If you had the chance to write a thank you note to your role model, what would you say? I often sit and wonder what the opportunities women would have in professional sports if it weren't for Billie Jean King and the Original 9. How different my life would be if I didn't have the opportunity to play tennis and earn a living at such a young age.
Check out:
And of course, our very own BJK-
Tennis sensation Sofia Kenin thanks Billie Jean King. “I am writing to you today on behalf of female tennis players everywhere,” Kenin, a Women's Tennis Association player, tells King, the founder of the WTA. “Your achievements, your activism, and your optimism have opened doors for all of us. So I know I speak for all my peers when I say, thank you.”
This week's blog article is by
Debbie Graham Shaffer. Many of you know Debbie's incredible professional tennis career, playing and coaching, but she is also a sports mom (volleyball and tennis), just like the rest of us. I am continually turning to Debbie for guidance and was thrilled when she wanted to share some tips on one of the best things we learn from sports... Adversity plus failure equals SUCCESS!
Thanks for reading and stay healthy!
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As a parent, coach, and player, we have all been there; losing that tight match by a few points, or getting cheated out of a point or game with a bad call and then losing, not making a special team or tournament you have been trying so hard to make, being the bench warmer on a team after making a bad play, that freak twisting of the ankle or the knee that puts you out for weeks. Then comes watching your child cry in pain in the back seat on the car ride home, staring off into space like they have been shunned forever because they were pulled out of the game, thinking they are a terrible player that will never win.
This is called ADVERSITY, and to most young athletes, they see this in their minds as a FAILURE. Nobody said the road to success would be smooth. In fact, it is designed to be difficult! There are so many bumps and dips along this road that you can’t even begin to count them. However, once we get past all the emotions, parents and coaches must teach athletes to LEARN from their failures and adversity.
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How to Fight Worry and Anxiety as a Sports Parent
Parental worry and anxiety are normal however, being a sports parent can increase those feelings. The worry list for sports parents is long: playing time, bullying, conflicts with coaches or teammates, game-time performance, and injuries.
Ten Things No One Tells You About College Recruiting
For many college-caliber recruits, talent and prep/club success are not enough to get recruited as a college athlete. I raised two college athletes in two different sports – and made a lot of mistakes along the way. Here are a few things I wish I had known before we started the recruiting process.
Mikaela Shiffrin Plans Return to World Cup Racing
The three-time champion will return to racing in Sweden next week, after spending time away from her sport to grieve the death of her father, Jeff.
It’s Among the World’s Hardest Sled Runs. Why Weren’t Women Allowed to Use it?
The Cresta Run in Switzerland is notoriously difficult and dangerous for practitioners of skeleton, the Olympic sledding sport. Until recently, women were barred from using it.
As Gymnasts Who Were Abused Seek Answers, They Are Offered Only Money
Despite multiple investigations and a settlement offer worth millions of dollars, Simone Biles, Aly Raisman and many other abuse victims feel justice is a long way away.
Maria Sharapova stunningly announces retirement, reveals the moment she knew it was time
TREVOR NOAH TALKS LEARNING TENNIS ON THE ELLEN SHOW
Trevor Noah recently sat down with Ellen Degeneres on the Ellen Show to talk about an experience that started off slightly terrifying, but finished off magical.
How to Boost Your Athlete's Immunity During Flu Season
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I recently had a great question from a new reader:
"My daughter just revealed she gets nervous in her tennis matches. How can I best help her overcome this issue?"
Getting nervous is part of competing for all athletes. It even happens to Serena and Roger! When you feel those jitters, don't freak out! Don't let the feeling stop you or intimidate you. Remind yourself it's totally normal.
Few tips…
- Move your feet. Feet, feet, feet. The first thing that happens when we get nervous is we stop moving our feet! (No matter what sport we play)
- Concentrate on racquet head speed- keep hitting out on the ball. We tend to stop our racquet and push.
- Focus on your plan, not the outcome. We get nervous when we think, "if I miss this ball, I will lose the game or the set." But, we don't get nervous if we think about our game plan, "hit deep crosscourt and move forward for the short ball, or hit high to the backhand."
- Use your power pose- confident body language
- Repeat your mantra to yourself- "You got this", "Just do it", "Breathe & Believe"- make your mantra!
- Deep breaths, yoga breathing
- Have confidence in your hard work and preparation.
- Have fun- remember why you do it- enjoy it- laugh if you screw up.
Hope this helps!
Thank you to our reader, Karin, for the question in this issue of #Get a Grip! If you have any questions you would like answered,
email me here.
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I am a big proponent of educating our children in "financial literacy". It is something that is woefully missing in our education system.
The author of the book, Brad Stinn, has an interesting story. I heard his story years ago from a family member in San Francisco. Brad Stinn is a Harvard graduate, a financial analyst on Wall Street, and for 10 years, a CEO for a publicly traded company.
"Roadside Scholar" came from his 10 years in federal prison teaching inmates finance and business.
I love the simplicity and practicality of his strategies and it is easy enough for teens to understand. He has a great sense of humor to keep it enjoyable.
Stinn gives his simple 5 step plan to create wealth:
- Do Not Make a Plan- Start!
- Happiness is Positive Cash Flow
- Do Not Save, Invest
- Be an Owner
- Never Sell
I highly recommend this book!
Do you have any great books or tools to teach kids about personal finance? I would love to hear about any resources.
Has anyone else read this book or have a great book to share? I would love your thoughts and suggestions in our
#Get a Grip Facebook Group. Or you can
EMAIL me here.
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This issue's
Meaningful Meals
conversation starter:
"If you had the time and the resources, what kind of volunteer work would you like to do?"
This issue's
Meaningful Meals
recipe:
Yes, I do realize it is March, and BBQ ribs are generally for summer. I will also admit to being quite inept on a grill. So, when I can make some great ribs out of the oven, I am ALL OVER IT! The grill-master in your house may disagree, but it is amusing to prove them wrong. Not that I am competitive or anything.
Come on, give it a try... dry rub, wrap in foil, bake low and slow, quick broil to finish, and enjoy!
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I love meeting my readers. Please email me to ask a question and share your thoughts on #Get a Grip.
Do you have ideas for books, recipes, and organizations that we should share in a future newsletter?
If so, click here to email me!
P.S. Was this email forwarded to you?
Click here to get your own!
Know someone who would enjoy it? I appreciate you forwarding it to them!
Thank you for reading!
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