Children No Longer Children, Parents Still Parents

As one having 18- and 19-year-old sons, I found this Washington Post piece pitched at my interests and needs as I work out being a father to adult children:

“That’s the one thing my mom is going to do: give me her opinion,” Washington Nationals center fielder Denard Span said.

Span isn’t alone. Several Nationals get similar help from unexpected places. Reliever Aaron Barrett receives unofficial instruction in postgame text messages from his brothers. Right fielder Bryce Harper’s father will occasionally call with swing advice. Catcher Jose Lobaton’s wife, Nina, has never played baseball or softball, but after watching his swing for years, she delivers her thoughts in person. Reliever Casey Janssen calls his parents after every appearance, good or bad.

“I joke, but I call my dad ‘The Humbler,’ ” Janssen said. “He can be very pessimistic at times. He’ll just lay it out there. ‘Hey, you’ve got to pitch a little better. You’ve got to throw more strikes. You’ve got to change speeds.’ ”