My son Graham is playing in an instructional basketball league that starts in a few weeks, and I wanted to coach his team. Rather than just calling the league to volunteer, I asked Graham what he thought of my coaching. "That's great dad," he said, "as long as it's something you want to do."

We then talked a little about how I would need to treat him and his teammates the same, and that during practices and games our relationship would be more coach-son than father-son. He was fine with that as well. The real challenge for me is to not be harder on, or expect more from, Graham than from his teammates. The bottom line, though, is I'm glad he wants me to coach his team, and I'm happy I asked him his thoughts before signing up.