Watching My Son Grow – Learning Together

One of the greatest blessings – and challenges – of being a father is watching your child grow, not just physically, but mentally. As my son navigates the ups and downs of sports, school, and just growing up, I’ve been reminded that he’s not the only one learning — I am too.

Parenting is a constant balancing act. Knowing when to encourage, when to teach, when to correct – and maybe most importantly, when to just be quiet and say nothing at all. That part is hard. Because as a dad, you want to guide, to protect, to make it easier. But real growth often happens when we don’t step in. When we let them figure things out. When we give them space to fall and get back up on their own.

And then, every now and then, there’s a moment that just freezes in time — one of those little gold moments you never forget.

He was playing third base, and the opposing team’s coach — a former MLB third baseman — was coaching the bag. Their hitter didn’t mean to bunt, but tapped a short one right down the line. My son charged hard, scooped it up on the run, and slung a rocket sidearm throw to first. Bang-bang play. Out.

As the dust settled, the coach simply said, “That was a great throw.”

My son glanced over at me and gave me a little thumbs-up. That moment — just a second long — is one I’ll always remember. Confidence, recognition, joy. That’s what it’s all about.

I’m learning to slow down. To not rush the journey. These years move fast, and while it’s easy to get caught up in performance or results, what really matters are those moments: time fishing together, the ride home from a game, or a quiet look across the field that says, “Did you see that, Dad?”

So if you’re in the thick of it right now — raising a young athlete or just raising a good kid — enjoy the ride. Let them be kids. Let them love the game, love the outdoors, love life. Be present. Not perfect. That’s what sticks.

Tyler Lennon

44 Sports Connect