Do the responsibilities of raising teenagers ever leave you feeling overwhelmed? Do you ever find yourself approaching tasks with a “have to” mentality? You know, “I have to take my child to practice,” or, “I have to participate in fundraising?” What if you flipped your mindset from “have to” to “get to?”

That simple shift in vocabulary can make a tremendous impact on your attitude. Approaching life’s tasks with a generous attitude not only lifts your spirits, it helps you enjoy the things that may be considered mundane or burdensome.

Let’s look at four “get to’s” of raising teenagers who participate in extracurriculars.

1. I get to take my child to practice. While getting your child to all of her commitments may create a logistical nightmare for you, it makes a tremendous impact on her. In practice, she’ll have to opportunity to hone her skills under the instruction of a teacher or coach who has devoted her life’s work to that discipline. She’ll also learn from her peers as they enhance their skills together. Participating in a group activity will teach her how to work well with others and how to accomplish goals as a team.

2. I get to help many students learn valuable life lessons. It may seem that the booster club is always asking for your volunteer support. Well, the truth is, schools don’t have enough teachers, coaches, and staff to fill all of the roles necessary to operate thriving extracurricular programs. When you volunteer, you help students expand their learning beyond the classroom. You may even influence a student’s future career decision.

3. I get to fund a program that will make a lasting impact on the next generation. Here again, it may seem that the booster club always has it’s hand out. However, school boards typically do not have the budget to fully fund extracurriculars. This is your opportunity to step up with financial support. Think about the alternative. Where would these kids be if they didn’t have extracurriculars?

4. I get to go to the game, concert, or performance. After a stressful day at work, which is often within a week that is over-scheduled, you often don’t feel like going anywhere – you just want to rest. However, the benefits of pushing ahead far outweigh the physical fatigue. Your child will always remember you being there to see him perform. And, chances are, you’ll enjoy being entertained by the game or performance.

Remember, the teenage years pass all to quickly. As busy as it may seem, this season of life will soon be gone. I hope you’ll take advantage of all the opportunities you get to participate in!

The Booster Leader

If you’re ready to accept a leadership role in your child’s booster club but you’re not exactly sure what you’re getting yourself into, help is here! My book, The Booster Leader, 35 Leadership Essentials for a Thriving Booster Organization, is the resource you need to guide you along the way. The Booster Leader consists of…

• Thirty-five proven leadership essentials that are quick and easy to implement
• Eighteen inspirational stories that bring the leadership essentials to life
• A twenty-nine point checklist to help you identify risks that may jeopardize your organization if not properly addressed (and the answers to help you resolve every issue!)

Now is the time to start leading your own thriving booster organization. In The Booster Leader, I show you exactly how to do it!

Question: What do you get to do for your child’s extracurricular program this week? You can leave a comment by clicking here.