by Inthestands » Mon Apr 27, 2015 9:37 am
I do not believe that anyone is saying "ignore it". However, Acer is quite correct, there has to be a lot of parental input, beyond proof reading emails and a encouragement. Especially for the 16U's. There is still lots to be done once they reach college that we are finding only a parent can offer in terms of support.
This process as we have learned is very much a family effort. Sure the things that happen at the ball field and in the ball park are very much up to the player. She either gets it...or she doesn't. Rudimentary things like carrying your own bag, positive upbeat attitude, running on and off the field, avoiding temper-tantrums, the way you address your parents and coaches...all pretty straight forward. But a lot of things aren't.... Like, attending the right tourneys, networking with the right people, choosing the right team in the critical few years this will happen. Navigating the whole long list of registrations, tests, deadlines and so on. Those take a dedicated parent's guidance. Additionally the sorts of information, comparisons, knowledge, financial understanding, financial planning, financial capability, travel accessibility, geographic considerations...etc etc...are beyond the scope of most typical 16 year olds. One thing I will say though, they do learn fast
Our experience saw the actual interaction with colleges, the short listing, the unofficial visits, official visits and the final decision digested down in to less than 6 months. Sure there was a lot of preliminary work that went into positioning to be able to get to that stage.