The New England Patriots headed into the AFC Championship game with a perfect season record of 17-0. Since the game has not yet been played as I write this column, I am hoping that the record is now 18-0 this Monday morning. But, if by some chance the Chargers were able to find a way to stop the supernatural speed and accuracy of Mr. Tom Brady yesterday, then his perfect season would have come to an end.

After watching Mr. Brady and his New England Patriots team play with such precision and beauty this season, and finish off the regular season with a perfect record, I wonder what it would take for us “regular” humans to have a perfect season in our lives?

For some of us, just trying to find that “perfect” outfit for that special occasion seems virtually impossible and overwhelming, so how can life be perfect? What would we need to do or what would need to happen in our lives for us to say our lives were perfect?

Many of us give up on perfection every time we utter the words, “I’m only human.” We say this as if our humanity is a curse and as such should not strive to attain anything out of the ordinary. With that kind of negative energy flowing from us to our children, it’s no wonder low self-esteem is so prevalent among school-aged children.

Oh yes, some children are arrogant, pushy, ill-manner and down right rude. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself if their negative behaviours are a cover up for their lack of confidence? Perhaps being told that they would never achieve perfection or anything close to it finally sinks in and takes over their entire being.

The perfect little baby who cooed, blew kisses and crawled on cue finally grew up and decided to use his brain and think for himself. But, instead of applauding this cerebral milestone, you started to see his imperfections and decided to point out every flaw every chance you got.

After hearing the same negative surly comments day after day, it should not come as a surprise that this child becomes an ugly individual and there goes his chance at having a perfect season. The trouble begins in school then swells out into the streets and neighbourhood, eventually flowing into someone else’s space.

Is he responsible for his actions, by all means, but if he wasn’t given all the equipment and skills to use on game day, how could we expect him to win any of the games? The minute he steps away from the training camp, which is home, he is doomed to fail because of the negative skills he was taught.

In order for us to have a perfect season, to have perfect lives, we must ensure that the foundation is properly laid. This means that parents are responsible for ensuring that the early years of their child’s life is such that he/she can have the opportunity to achieve perfection.

This foundation must consist of teaching the child that he is special and was perfectly created to do something extraordinary. He must be made to believe that he was created for a purpose and his perfection comes to fruition when he recognizes and embraces his calling.

However, if the child has no belief system, no moral grounding, his journey to perfection will be filled with hurdles and stumbling blocks. Unfortunately, he may not be able to successfully clear some of those hurdles and may end up becoming stuck in that lane and never attain that perfect life.

This week, I challenge you to examine the environment you have created for your children. Is it a living space that invites balance and harmony? Does your child have the opportunity to realize his call to perfection? Perhaps you have allowed your own limitations and imperfections to block your child’s progress.

While we are human, we are not “only human,” and as such must strive daily for that perfect season. Each day take a step towards perfection, step towards being who you were created to be with your child in tow.

About the author: Joye Ritchie-Greene is an Educational Consultant, Writer and Martial Arts Instructor. She is the owner/operator of The Bahamas Martial Arts Academy; president of Time-Out Productions; and is also a columnist for the Freeport News. She has a B.A. in English and an M.S. in Human Resources, resides in Freeport, Grand Bahama with her husband and enjoys playing tennis. Joye can be reached at joye_hel_ena@hotmail.com