Driving kids around town. Does it drive you mad?

We do a lot of running around. And, it can take its toll.

But, I think it’s important to remember why we do it.

When my 16 year-old was younger, he was involved in sports, which created, of course, expenses and the typical “running around.”

At about age 8, he decided sports were not for him, and he  moved on to other interests.

Our 11 year old is heavy into sports now, playing three sports each year.

And, as busy as it is, we feel there are great reasons to do it.

Aside from the fact that “he likes it,” there are other redeeming factors.

• First, being on a team – be it athletic or not – teaches kids the value of contributing. It teaches them that everything is not about “me.” Being part of a team, in a healthy environment, says you’re going to put the value of the team ahead of yourself. And, there are great life lessons in that.

• Secondly, being part of a team teaches long-term commitment. Let’s face it. There are days when soccer practice doesn’t go their way. For that matter, there are days when your job doesn’t go your way. We talk about commitment and what it means. If we sign up to be on a soccer team for 10 weeks, we’re going to stick with it for 10 weeks.

• And lastly, being part of a team encourages time management and helps your kid learn prioritization skills. Being part of a team means practice and it also means that kids have to set aside specific amounts of time to do homework and chores, while still making sure to get to practice and games on time.

So, before you swear off the chess team, the football team or marching band, remember that there are other benefits. It’s not just about winning a game.

There are life lessons to be learned and studied that will, hopefully, stick around long before Johnny hangs up his cleats.

• An editor by day, Scott Mayes is also dad to Matthew, Micah and Nathan. He’s a high school parent, a youth football dad and changes diapers. He’s also spent a more time driving his kids around than he’d like to admit. He does, however, admit that his wife drives kids around more than he does. She’s a Saint.