So you have been searching for that truly amazing coach for your kid—and finally found him or her! Awesome! But likely if this coach is remarkable, he’s not going to be cheap either.
Here are some ways I’ve seen parents—even of modest means—make the relationship work:
- Come less frequently. Once or twice a month to work with a brilliant coach is better than nothing.
- Share the lesson with another player or two.
- Barter or trade a skill you have.
- If your child is very talented with pro aspirations, negotiate a delayed compensation agreement based on a percentage of future pro prize money earnings.
- Be kind and show gratitude to the coach. Coaches may be willing to work out a special rate for your kid if you and the child are well behaved, and both very kind and respectful.
- Take copious notes and video as much of the lessons as possible. If you can coach, mimic the lessons with your child and repeat key areas of focus. Watch the lesson videos with your child. In this way your player can benefit from the wisdom of the coach multiple times in the future, garnering more value from each lesson.
- Budget better. Maybe another lesson, class or program could be cut to help pay for the great coach’s lesson? Sometimes you have to sacrifice and prioritize to make it work.
As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “Don’t Be Penny-Wise But Pound Foolish!”
One of the biggest mistakes I have seen parents make is to give up on training with a special coach who has a special connection with their child because of money. There is almost always a way to make it work, with a little creativity and sacrifice.
Follow Chris at these websites and social media links:
Website: www.chrislewit.com
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