I look at the clock as I finish up my homework. It is almost time. It is getting dark out earlier now, but between the sunset and lights above the garage, there will be plenty of light to highlight the driveway and basketball hoop. I tell my mom that I will be outside shooting hoops. I quickly tie my shoes so I can get out there and start warming up before my teammate arrives. The shots are going right in. I feel very confident about the progress that I am making since the time I started playing basketball a few years ago. I ran into the house to check the time. Any minute my teammate should be here. We can continue playing like we did last week.
My Teammate Arrives
I start dribbling up and down the driveway when I hear cars coming down the road. I finally see my teammate’s car down the street. He is almost here. He pulls into the driveway and parks in the garage. My dad gets out of the car after a long day of work. He is happy to see me. I tell him that mom is delaying dinner so we can get a game or two in before it gets dark out. He smiles and tells me to keep shooting. He just has to change and he will be out.
The Games That Mean Something
My dad opens up the door and is ready to play basketball with me. I tell him to take a few shots to warm up. He takes the ball and shoots around while I work on my rebounds. The cold air doesn’t bother me. The colder months in New Hampshire made for some of my favorite moments when I was growing up. We just moved to New Hampshire a few months ago. My dad and I put up a basketball hoop when we moved in. The driveway was perfect for playing hoops. I loved the time playing basketball with my dad. In time as we started planting roots there, I started playing hoops with neighborhood kids and friends from middle school and high school. Those games with my dad faded away since I was playing games with my friends.
I miss those times. For me playing basketball with my dad is something that I cherished. Yes, we had fun playing basketball, but there was more to it. He would give me advice not just about my jump shot, but also about school or other things that will cross my path in life. There are times now where the cool, crisp autumn air hits me just right and I am transported back to when I was waiting for my dad to play basketball with me. Those games meant a lot to both of us. Our bond grew stronger because of that.
Make Time To Play With Your Kids
For any parent reading this, I can’t stress this enough. Go out and play with your kids. Put down the devices. Get some fresh air together. Play a game of catch. Go to a pickleball court and just hit the ball back and forth. You and your kids will be so grateful that you did. These are the moments that you and your family will cherish just like the moments I described to you about playing basketball with my dad.
I know time can seem scarce with all that you have on your plate. Yet, the time will come when your children will leave the nest and start on their own journey. You will want to have made time for them when they are home. You just read about the impact of playing hoops with my dad still staying with me after all of these years.
How You Can Create Those Moments
To make things a lot easier for you, I can offer another piece of advice. Get a TIVVY Bag. It has a basketball, football, soccer ball, flying disc, two pickleball paddles and two balls, agility cones, and a blanket. In addition it has an air pump, first aid kit, rain ponchos and a refillable water bottle. Everything is packed into one organized activity go-bag designed for grab-and-go outdoor play. You just put the TIVVY bag in your car and you and your family can have fun no matter where you are. Start making those moments with your kids! For information about TIVVY go to their website at tivvybag.com.
Please note: I am working with TIVVY on a sponsored campaign. I am receiving payment for my work, but my thoughts are my own.