The real coaches and teachers

John Wooden is considered one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time: 88 consecutive victories, 38 straight NCAA tournament wins, and eight undefeated Pac-8 crowns. He won the USBWA National Coach of the Year Award seven times, the most any coach has won.

But who does he think are the real coaches and teachers of our children?

Us. Their parents.

"A father and mother must be there to set an example for their children, strong and positive models of what to be and how to behave when the youngsters grow up," he wrote in Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court.

"Being a role model is the most powerful form of educating. Youngsters need good models more than they need critics. It is one of a parent's greatest responsibilities and opportunities."

He likely thought this way because his parents had a great influence on him. When asked who had the greatest influence on him growing up, he answered immediately, "My father, unquestionably." In his book, he wrote high praises of his parents. "Mother provided a model for how to do my job regardless of the particular circumstances." "Dad was one of the wisest people I have ever known." "He was the kind of man I set out to be. He was the model." "It was my desire to live up to his model and expectations."

Our children look up to us and follow us. They learn more from watching how we live, treat others, and face adversity than they do from our nagging. Whatever we do, they try. Even though we might be busy working for our family, we must not forget to be a role model for our children; for Coach Wooden wrote, "Too often fathers neglect it because they get so caught up in making a living they forget to make a life."

Are you making a living or making a life?