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MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 1, Issue 13

MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 1, Issue 13

December 6, 2004
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment Junior
Age Range: 
8-10

Story

I hate playing the Badgers. They throw elbows and pick fights.

And the players aren't half as mean as the fans. One parent only stops yelling at us so he can scream at his own child instead.

The ref catches one of the Badgers pushing me, so I head to the foul line. It's REALLY hard to concentrate with all the screaming. I shoot and miss--badly. The Badger fans really enjoy my mistake. I can hear them laughing as I get ready to take my second shot. It's so distracting that my coach steps in and asks the ref to quiet the crowd. When he does, the jerk in the third row shouts out: "We won't bother you anymore. You're not worth it. You couldn't make a basket if your momma held you up to it."

I feel like running across the court and hitting him. But, my mom taught me an important lesson about getting mad-sometimes it's not worth it to let someone get the better of you. Just wait it out because "the greatest remedy for anger is delay."

I take a few breaths and smile at the man in the stands. No matter what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, it's clear who the real loser is. I shoot again, knowing that, even if it doesn't go in, I've played like a champion today.

This week's maxim is "The greatest remedy for anger is delay."  

Maxim

  • "The greatest remedy for anger is delay."
    Seneca

Character points

  • Self-control - I make decisions based on my beliefs; I do not let my emotions get the better of me.
  • Self-discipline - I can control myself; I do what I should, not just what I feel like.
  • Strength - I have the courage and character to make good choices decisions.
  • Patience - I take the time to make choices based on my beliefs and ideals.

Homeroom Discussion Information

  • The narrator knows he is a real champion, no matter what the final score is. Do you agree with him?
  • What does it mean to be a "good sport?"
  • Why is important to be a good sport?
  • Is good sportsmanship really only important in athletics? How might it apply to other areas of your life?
  • How can lessons learned on the court help us in the game of life?
  • A lot of people say that playing sports helps build character. What are some character lessons you can learn from being part of a team?
  • Tell the story of an important lesson you learned from playing sports. What happened and what did you learn from that experience?
  • Some famous athletes are better role models than others. Name someone who you think embodies good sportsmanship. Explain your choice.
  • What does the word "remedy" mean? How does it relate to this week's maxim?
    What are some other situations this week's maxim could apply to?

Home-Use Information

Five tips for maxim-izing your family time

  • Be a good role model. At your children's sporting events, act with the same dignity and respect you want them to exhibit. Have the courage to ask your children if you do this already. Be willing to talk candidly about their answers.
    When you watch sports on TV, uphold the values you work so hard to nurture.
  • Think about the language you use and the way you talk about opposing teams/players. Your kids admire you and value your opinion. They learn what you live.
  • Discuss famous athletes. Which are good role models? Which aren't? Why? Be prepared to address the fact that many "successful" people (in terms of being rich and famous, winning many competitions, etc.) do not always demonstrate good character. Remind your children that success isn't about bank accounts or magazine covers-it's about being an honorable person, a person of character.
  • Celebrate your children's successes and their efforts. Let your children know that you value the process, not just the numbers on the scoreboard. Help them see that winning is about accomplishing goals, not beating someone else.
  • Together try to think of appropriate ways to deal with anger and other negative emotions. Come up with a list together.

Discussion starters

  • How important are sports at your school? In your life?
  • Do you think there is a lot of pressure to be good at sports? Explain.
  • Do you enjoy playing sports? Why or why not?
  • What does it mean to be a successful athlete?
  • What does it mean to be a successful person?
  • How important is good character to success?
  • What should you do when someone is being a bad sport?
  • If this situation had happened to you and we were in the bleachers, how would you want us, as your parents, to handle things? Would you prefer that we ignore the man or confront him?

Be sure to acknowledge the courage your children show in talking with you about these issues.

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