March Madness & Fatherhood: Bonding Over a Game

March Madness doesn’t just have to be about basketball—it can be about teamwork, perseverance, and the thrill of the game. For fathers, it’s also an opportunity to bond with your kids, teach valuable life lessons, and stay connected, even when you can’t always be physically present. 

Many of us know the frustration of not spending as much time with our children as we’d like. But even when you’re apart, you can still be present. Keep track of their school events, sports schedules, and activities so you can send a message of encouragement or show up when possible. Small moments of support go a long way in strengthening your connection. 

Lessons from the Court: Learning Through Mistakes 

Basketball and life requires practice, repetition, and resilience. Mistakes are part of the process, and how we respond to them shapes our children’s confidence. Instead of focusing on perfection, teach them that failure is a stepping stone to success. 

As Michael Jordan famously said: 

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And this is why I succeed.” Encourage your child to keep trying, learn from setbacks, and celebrate progress. 

Make March Madness a Bonding Experience 

Here are a few ways to use this season to connect with your child: 

• Fill out a bracket together - make predictions, talk strategy, and enjoy the competition. 

• Watch a game together - in person or on tv, and use it as a chance to talk about teamwork and perseverance. 

• Play a little one-on-one – it's getting warmer, so shoot hoops together and reinforce the importance of practice and effort. 

• Cheer them on - whether they’re playing a sport or performing in another way, show up and support them. 

This March Madness, make time to connect, celebrate effort, and teach the power of resilience—both on and off the court.