Yesterday, I blew my fuse with my 14, soon to be 15 year old. It was about, get this, a familiar setting, a soccer practice. I went to watch him play and his involvement in the work out was, at best, in my opinion, lukewarm.

So, I was telling him in the car after the practice that he does not seem to be serious about soccer. That is where he gave me back an ear full. He told me, just for my information, that he had played a school league game from 3.45 pm to 5.15 pm the same day against the toughest team in the league and he was chosen MVP on their team. This was followed by a teacher parent meeting and then another grueling soccer practice. All this at a time when he has just recovered from flu.

Guess what?  He was right and his dad was wrong! At times we need our children to remind us that we are not always right. It also made me reflect that I am sweating over a soccer practice which is supposed to be for exercise and fun and bonding with our children. Once the bonding is done well the children are much more open to dialogue about teamwork and winning.

A good lesson from my son to me (the co-author of the award winning "The Power of Giving!") - Give first of your love, attention, listening ear and reap the benefit of camaraderie with your children and subsequent teaching of lessons such as team work, discipline and winning.

My children keep me humble and bring me back to the ground when I lose my perspective!  Take the time and listen to your children- you can learn something too!