A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DAD

PLAY a day in the life of dad

Trophy? Not This Year

BY BRANDON FOREMAN PHOTO BY CARL (CJ) SMITH JR.

IMAY upset a few people here, but what do they say? You have to break some eggs to make an omelet. So, let’s dive in here. It’s May of 2021 and we are wrapping up the spring soccer season, and let me tell you, I have watched my twin boys (eight years old) really come alive this year with soccer. I mean, they are going after it, wanting to practice all the time, watching YouTube videos, and wanting to play all the time. They love it and so does our whole family. We watch every week. We load up chairs, waters, snacks, heck, we even bought our own bench. It’s not just my family who attends either; it’s Mimis, Papas, KayKays, PaPaws, Aunts, and Uncles, all to watch these guys run around like crazy people for the one hour. Now, here is where the problem may come in for some. You see, it has rained a lot this year, and it seems like just about every practice has rained out. I don’t have a great yard for practicing soccer unless you’re good with losing 100s of balls in a lake everytime. However, are they getting better? Yes, they are so much better than before we started. I can see their minds starting to understand how the game works and I’m starting to see some fancy footwork happening, but here is the issue: they are still not winning the games. Don’t get me wrong, they are having a blast, but winning? Not so much. We may have gotten a win in there for a game or two, but by no means are we that winning team that...wait for it…deserves a trophy. Did I really say that? Yep, I sure did. They don’t need a trophy. They did not earn it in my opinion. They played hard? Yes. They improved? Yes. They had fun? Yes. They participated? Yes. However, they did not win. I want them to learn that in order to get a winning trophy, they have to actually win. Look, I’m not trying to be a mean person, but if we keep this up and everyone gets the winner’s prize just for showing up, what message are we sending to them? Better yet, what are we saying to the kids who did win and earned that title? I think we need to encourage our children to be the best they can be but also let them know that they will not win every time. Sometimes you lose, and that builds that desire to practice harder and longer, study more, and push yourself to be the person who does win. We can’t just keep saying that everyone’s a winner and giving them a trophy for playing. I believe that, in life, when you want something, you have to go out and work hard, earn it, and do what it takes to get it, not just show up and say you want it and expect to get it. Has that ever happened to you in your life or work? Are you able to just walk up and say you want that car or promotion and it was given to you? I doubt it; you worked for it. What are we teaching our children by doing this? Please don’t hate me. I’m certain there is another school of thought

Look, I’m not trying to be a mean person, but if we keep this up and everyone gets the winner’s prize just for showing up, what message are we sending to them?

here. Maybe I am wrong, but if I am, it seems the worst thing that happens is I taught my children to work a little harder, and you know what they say, no one ever died from hard work. ■

PIC OF THE MONTH

PLAY out & about

‘cause parenting is a trip Margaritaville Lake Resort

LAKE CONROE | HOUSTON

BY LINDSAY MILLER PHOTO BY MARGARITAVILLE LAKE RESORT, LAKE CONROE | HOUSTON

WITH several activities planned for every single day, along with several restaurants to visit on the Margaritaville Lake Resort campus, you’ll never have to leave your relaxing getaway. Located about an hour away from Houston, Montgomery offers this magnificent resort on Lake Conroe. Not only are there several events available for your entertainment, Margaritaville also has a golf course as well as a spa and boat rentals. While this getaway is catered more towards adults, there is the Jolly Mon Water Park, pickleball, tennis, mini golf and several pools for the younger crowd to enjoy.

WHERE TO STAY

Margaritaville Lake Resort on Lake Conroe is all about relaxation. With a spa and luxurious rooms, you will be able to do just that; relax. With several different choices of suites and lake-side cottages, you’re sure to find a room that will make you feel right at home. All rooms have the option of being ADA accommodated. Accommodations include WiFi, intra-resort transportation, in-room coffee and tea service, access to the business center, Jolly Mon Water Park with multiple pools, splash pad, waterslides, lazy river and hot tub, Fins Up! Fitness Center access, racquetball courts, indoor cycling, golf practice facilities, Parrot Island Mini Golf, and a private beach.

WHERE TO EAT Landshark Bar & Grill

The Landshark Bar & Grill takes inspiration from the traditional bars along the Atlantic beaches. This relaxed setting serves lunch and dinner everyday. Sitting right on the lake, there is beach access along with a cozy firepit to gather with family and friends. The restaurant serves a selection of seafood, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

License to Chill Cafe

The License to Chill Cafe offers breakfast, lunch and dinner and also has a casual and carefree atmosphere. With outdoor and indoor seating, you can either catch a breeze outside or cool off inside. The cafe serves a full and tasty breakfast menu along with Mexican-themed food items for lunch and dinner. This restaurant also offers a bit of a brunch menu so make sure to check that out during your stay.

Playin’ Around Cafe

The Playin’ Around Cafe is perfect for the golf lovers in the family. This cafe, located right on the golf course, is a great place to grab a quick breakfast and lunch. The cafe offers salads, sandwiches, breakfast items and even dessert options. This cafe is all about convenience, so before you go out on the course or after you’re done, cool off in the Playin’ Around Cafe.

Coordinates: 30.3942, -95.6362 Distance from Baton Rouge: 299 miles Flying Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes Driving Time: 5 hours, 12 minutes

WHAT TO DO

The Margaritaville Lake Resort has several scheduled events that take place every single day. These events range from scavenger hunts and cornhole competitions to sand art creations. The resort even provides some activities for the kids. Some of these activities include water balloon fights and an array of lawn games that will keep the whole family entertained for hours. You can also visit the golf course, spa, or even rent a boat to go explore Lake Conroe.

If you want to get away from the resort for a day or two, there are several local experiences that you and the family can enjoy. One of the most beautiful is the Huntsville State Park. At the state park, there are hiking trails right through the Sam Houston National Forest. There is also a lake within the park where you can fish for crappie, perch, catfish, and bass. Sometimes alligators can be spotted in the lake as well.

Another attraction outside of the Margaritaville Lake Resort is the unique St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary. Here, you will find yourself at a nonprofit facility that provides rescued wolves and wolfdogs with a loving home and a second chance at life. The property offers acres for these animals to roam, and this visit will be a hit with the kids. The business has been in operation for almost 20 years with their only goal of being able to provide a wonderful place for these animals to live and try to ignite the love for animals in anyone who visits. ■