With 2007 just a few days away, I find myself thinking about my goals for the new year. As the father of a 9 and 7 year old, both of whom are active in sports, here are a few sports-related goals I hope to accomplish:

1. Set a good example as a sports parent. I, like most parents, want my kids to have fun, but also to do well. I need to do a better job of not coaching from the sidelines and letting them enjoy themselves.

2. Encourage their athletic interests with involvement. My kids tend to get very interested in certain sports or athletic activities for some period of time, and then move on to other things. I want to say "Yes" more when they ask to play soccer, basketball, go bike riding, etc., with me.

3. Have them try new activities. In 2006 I introduced my kids to golf, and we had a lot of fun hitting whiffle balls at the park, golf balls into nets and putting. I want to continue doing this with other sports, especially those I'm interested in.

 I really enjoy doing sports-related activities with my kids, and these three resolutions should help increase their interest in such activites for the coming year.