I received the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder for review purposes, but as usual, all opinions are my own.
Since my son was little, I have shared with him, that life is full of choices and every choice has a consequence.
When he was younger, I guided and helped him make some of those choices:
I introduced him to:
- Karate
- Piano & guitar
- An audition only Choir
- I gave him his first computer and it was love at first sight
But hereditary high blood pressure and sugar levels were eye openers showing us we needed to help him find a healthier path for his life!
He has never been a really active, fit kid. So, that presented a challenge – a new path which was against his nature. Since he’s always been off the charts for height, basketball was a natural choice. But his path has never been easy.
In his first basketball year, my husband was the coach, so he had a chance to experience the sport with a trusted hand. But the following year brought a surprise, the coach, who was not an experienced basketball coach, cut him from the team. He was devastated. We were like, who cuts a 6′, 13 year old out of a basketball team?
He tried out at adifferent township and the coach immediately welcomed him and helped him develop a love for the sport! For him, it was another challenge, to play with a team of kids who went to school together but he was basically an outsider. But things went great!
Following year, we decided to hire a coach in the summer, somebody to help him get in shape and learn more skills! His private coach, a pro basketball player who runs a kids camp, really worked to get him in shape and give him confidence! A “just do it” approach!
He tried out and made the team this year and his coach couldn’t be a nicer and more encouraging person! A true role model! He goes to a Christian School, and there were not many opposing freshman teams, so he didn’t get too many games, but he loved it!
We recently signed him up for a basketball league while his private coach was playing in Europe. It has been another challenging time, as he faced a team of kids who go to school together or have known each other for a while. He is also facing some coaching challenges as well and the team has not been able to overcome them yet. But the kids found a way to grow closer through the process and that is a beautiful thing to see!
Life is about challenges and finding a path that brings you joy and happiness. I asked him last month, when I saw him frustrated about some things, “do you want to quit”, he said “no, mom, I like the kids, I like the game, I’m staying!”
I’m letting him find his own path, because following the path made from your own choices is part of growing up!
Driving around from game to game, driving tall teens, needing extra space – it’s a path on its own. We recently had a chance to drive the Nissan Pathfinder to one of Lucas tournaments! It gave us a teen friendly ride, the cool factor to bring us to the new challenge that the tournament presented!
Here some of our Nissan Pathfinder favorites:
When you’re carrying 6′ kids, you want a spacious vehicle, so the Pathfinder did not disappoint in that aspect!
Lucas likes listening to music during the ride to the game, the USBs are a must! You can even power a laptop in this baby!
Bags, ball and extra shoes means, extra space needed! The Pathfinder did not let us down
Relaxing after the game is also a must! The DVD player offered a great option for post game relaxing movie time on our ride back!
Smooth ride for us, the CVT gave us seamless shifting on our ride to the game!
The panoramic sunroof wrapped the top of the vehicle, allowing us to see the sun shinning no matter where we sat! Definitely a bonus!
As for us, we will continue to support our son’s choices and help him as much as possible to find his path. Having a Mom approved ride to rely on, is definitely a plus!
As for our ride, we will definitely miss the Nissan Pathfinder, definitely a highlight on our family’s basketball path.
What is your ride? Do you help your kids with sports?
I can’t wait to hear what you think, as usual, give us a Trendy Shout!
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These are great points! Really encouraging! Would love to check out that car. Looks perfect for family with teens!
What a great mother-son photo. We used to own a Pathfinder a few years ago and it was one of my fave cars to drive
It’s great that your son found something he loves to do and even during the tough times he keeps going. I wish I had a Pathfinder. I would love the extra space.
I fell in love with light leather interiors with my last car. I love how soft leather is and how easy it to clean VS fabric.
My oldest has gotten super into basketball, but isn’t as confident as with soccer since he’s played that since he was 8. It’s so good for them to get out of their shell and go for things. He’s been brave and did basketball camp this year at the high school, which is important for his freshman year tryouts this Fall! The Pathfinder is so pretty too, btw!
Love this encouraging post! You and your son look so much alike! I love the approach that you took to give him an extra boost of confidence.
I’m so glad he found a coach and an approach that works for him. He’ll feel more and more proud of himself as time goes by.