I've been writing this blog for more than two years, and this is my 100th post. In looking back at my previous posts, I realized that I've learned a lot about being a youth sports parent, primarily from my kids.

I was very into playing sports as a kid, and assumed my kids would be as well. They have been, but they've chosen the sports they want to pursue, and, with the exception of basketball, they are not the so-called traditional sports.

This bothered me initially, but I quickly realized that the kids' motivation and interest are essential to their enjoyment, and that I was better off to support and encourage their interests.

I also have a tendency to be a hands-on coach, offering instruction at every opportunity. Here again, I came to understand that while my kids take instruction willingly from other coaches, they don't want it from me.

My approach now is to introduce them to as many different sports as possible, and to make sports fun. The kids enjoy sports much more if they have some say in what they do and when they do it, without constant coaching or urging to play a particular sport from dad.

I feel I've become a much better sports parent thanks to this blog, which has largely focused on my experiences with my kids. I've also learned how to ride a RipStik, witnessed the benefits of karate and gymnastics firsthand and figured out how to coach my kids in a way that works for all of us.

I'm looking forward to sharing more of my learnings in my next 100 blog posts.