My time as a parent has included stints as a coach and homework tutor. At various times while wearing these hats I have found myself in the middle of helping a child who insists they cannot do something. No matter how often I encourage them and offer whatever advice I can, they are convinced the task is beyond their ability and comprehension. On the many happy occasions where I am able to help them through the difficulty, they learn more than one lesson by the end of the day.
Daddies and mommies have been faced with a similar situation at least once in their time as a parent. Between homework, learning a musical instrument, and playing a sport, life has offered more than one test on the journey of our little Miracles of Christ. Some tests are easier than others, some tests require a little more from parent and child alike, and we’re lucky if we escape the endeavor with our sanity.
We Want our Children to Succeed
It’s not always easy meeting these challenges. All parents want our children to succeed. Sometimes the thing preventing them from succeeding is their own mindset. If a child goes into something telling themselves they can’t do it, then they have already failed. A positive mindset is important when it comes to handling adverse situations. This is true for all ages.
Scott Feld is a father who has had his share of difficulties when it comes to helping his child meet challenges. Scott has turned those episodes into a story of his own. His book, “Dax to the Max” is based on his son who shares the name of the book’s main character. Dax spends his nights replaying the rough moments of the day where he wasn’t able to succeed in a game or complete an assignment. As he tosses and turns in bed at night, his legs become caught in the sheets, presenting another problem for the 8-year-old. Pretending the twisted sheets are a monster trying to grab him and pull him, Dax fights to free his feet from the sheet monster. He is successful, and he soon wishes this confidence and success could stay with him in the outside world.
The Blobs are Everywhere
The confidence is fleeting, and it leaves him when he is on the playground. Dax wants to play on the monkey bars, but he is worried he won’t be able to hang on all the way through. When Dax gets worried, monsters called Blobs appear in front of him. The Blobs sap Dax of his confidence, and Dax suddenly decides he doesn’t want to do the monkey bars.
There are plenty of people who try to help Dax. Sasha, a friend at school, tries to snap him out of his negative thinking and eradicate the Blobs. Dax’ dad is a “cool dad” (his words, not ours). “Funzi” (I swear that’s his name) digs into his wealth of knowledge and wisdom to help his son. Dax’ mom enlists the help of a kangaroo named Kobe to help boost Dax’ confidence.
Blobs, Doubts, and the “Yips”
As parents, there is only so much we can do to help our children overcome fears and doubts. This can be stage fright during a school play or climbing a slide on the playground. Sometimes the mental blocks can have higher stakes for adults. Baseball fans can recall Mickey Sasser, Chuck Knoblauch, and others who suffered from the dreaded “Yips”. The Yips prevent a player, usually a catcher, from throwing a baseball because they are spending more time inside their own head and less time on the field where they need to throw the ball somewhere. Jon Lester, pitching for the Oakland A’s at the time, had a particularly tough game against the Kansas City Royals where he was unable to throw the ball to first base. The Royals stole six bases in that game.
“No more stinkin’ thinkin’ for me.” – Dax
No one wants their troubles to fester to those points. We try to help our children and do all we can for them. Dax has someone in addition to Sasha to help him. It’s a superhero named Max. Max helps Dax find and use his I.S.P. to help him face the Blobs and remove them from his way so he can have fun with his friends on the monkey bars and on the soccer field.
Dax’ abilities are there. He just doesn’t see it. It’s the same for children everywhere. The ability to accomplish things is inside everyone. As parents, we need to help them find and use those abilities. It won’t happen immediately, but sometimes that’s part of the fun. Recess and playtime filled Dax with dread. No kid wants to have fear or dismay when they are with their friends. Playtime with your friends should be fun. With the help of Sasha and the training he received from Max, Dax is ready for his next time at the playground. That next time comes sooner rather than later. Sasha and her parents are at the playground. Does Dax want to join them? Will he be ready? Will the Blobs be there?
Dax has the tools and the confidence to face the Blobs and try again. It’s something kids (and adults) could use from time to time. If you need help instilling confidence in your child, or if you want to show them the ability is inside them all along, Scott’s book could be just the key you need to unlock the potential inside your own “Dax”. Plus, it’s a good book that’s easy enough for your child to read on their own. The benefits to this book are numerous.
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