Many professional athletes have been diligent about making their family’s material dreams come true—sometimes to their own detriment.
Financial experts warn athletes about being overly generous. According to an article “Financial Advice for Pro Athletes,” on the “My Dollar Plan” website, it’s okay to share the wealth with family members, but athletes should make sure it’s a gift of their choosing. “You are not obligated to give in the future and that gifts are given on YOUR terms—not in response to your request.”
This may not be easy to accept when parents add up the cost of Little League, Pop Warner and time and gas spent going to and from games. I can attest that raising active kids is no joke and there are lots of sacrifices to be made. But I do it because they’re my children whom I love dearly. I want them to enjoy sports, get exercise, build character, and I don’t expect to be compensated for this any more than I do for helping them with their homework or fixing dinner.
In defense of Kobe’s mom, it seems like a lot more is going between them that includes in-law mama drama, jealousy and hurt feelings.
In looking at my boys today, I can’t imagine things between us going so wrong. I’m just bracing myself for a Mothers’s Day Gift that I know I will love, not because I asked for it, but because it’s coming from their hearts.
I hope that never changes.
Money Over Love: What Kobe Bryant and His Mother May Be Missing was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
