Mixed Signals

By Mark Demel

During Liam's little league baseball game, his father is trying his best to encourage him by giving him pointers on his batting technique. But Liam's confidence is shaky, he doesn't think he's very good and he's nervous as he's called to take his turn at the plate. As Liam bats "offstage" we watch his dad and hear the action. Liam finally gets on base, even if it is by getting hit by the pitch. However, he very quickly gets "picked off", causing the third out for his team. As we watch Liam head out to his position in the field, it's obvious Dad's encouragement isn't making a dent. Suddenly, his father marches out on the field next to him, interrupting the game. Liam's dad tells him "the game can wait a minute - this is important" as he clarifies to his son that it's not the result of his performance that matters, but his attitude, and his willingness to give it his very best. Keywords: Encouragement, Fathers, Priorities, Father's Day, Parenting, Parent/Child Relationships, Family Relationships (general), Self-esteem. Casting: 1 male, 1 male child

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0744143934
• ISBN13: 9780744143935
• Release Date: July 2002
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher