This morning when was at the gym and I was watching one of the national news programs and they had on Archie Manning on.  Archie is a former Quarterback of the New Orleans Saints and father of Peyton Manning and Eli Manning; both Peyton and Eli are Super Bowl winning quarterbacks and Super Bowl MVP’s.

AP Photo 13 months ago

I was particularly interested in this because I have often wondered what life was like in the Manning household and how much Archie pressured Peyton and Eli to play sports.   One of the first questions that Archie responded to was just that.   Archie said:

“We didn’t push them to play sports, we were just trying to raise good kids.”

A few minutes later they surprised Archie with a phone call from Eli Manning and they asked Eli a similar question.  Eli said that they were never pressured in to playing sports.   He said no matter what they wanted to do their parents were there to support them, however whatever they did they were expected to give it their all.

They then asked Eli about their dad the football player and what kind of role model he was.  Eli said he never paid much attention to it, but growing up his dad was always a great role model and kind to his fans.  He said he would put in the extra time to sign autographs etc.  As a result Eli notices that he does the same thing.   He said

“I just do it . . . it’s all I’ve ever known.”

That is pretty powerful right there.   “I just do it . . . it’s all I’ve ever known.” I don’t care who you are or what situation you are in . . . this is a great example of the power of parenting.    It is a reminder to all parents that our children are the product of the environment we create for them and the experiences we give them.    We need to ask ourselves:

• What if this is all they remember?
• How are we preparing them for the world ahead?
• Will they look back and be proud?
• Are we doing everything we can?

Now, initially I questioned whether I wanted to use the examples of the Manning family because I know there will be people that are going to make excuses for their good luck . . . celebrity . . . money . . . race.   And to that I say BULL SHIT!

The message is universal:   Not only do we need to love our children, but we must understand they are products of our parenting.   If we care and try . . . they are more likely to care and try.  If we sit on our asses and make excuses . . . they are more likely to sit their asses and make excuses.

We all need to set the example!   Are you?

Jason Kiesau Personal Leadership, Relationships