When I was growing up, my dad was big on instruction. He wanted to make sure I did things the right way. Looking back on it I think this approach worked well for me in the long run, as I'm pretty decent at many sports, but I wasn't crazy about it at the time.

Fast forward 30-plus years to when I'm introducing my kids to a variety of sports. My tendency is heavy on instruction, but I'm learning from my kids that a little instruction goes a long way, and what's really important is that they are having fun.

Today, for example, my son and I went to a golf course to chip and putt. My son had never chipped before, but was eager to try. I had him watch me chip two shots while I explained the basics, and then I let him loose to try it on his own. After about 10 minutes he came back to ask how to get his chips in the air.

I started what was to be a long explanation on this, but after my first point, about moving the ball back in his stance, he said "Dad, that's all the instruction I need." Sure enough, he soon hit a few chips with the right trajectory, and was thrilled.

So was I, both at his success and for the lesson he taught me. The best part is, he's more interested in golf than ever, which is what I was hoping for in the first place.