What Does it Mean to Give 110%?

We talk with our kids all the time about giving it 110%. Be the best you can be. Stand for what you believe in and support others in their challenges. But what do these statements mean?

For me, giving 110% is trying your hardest and doing everything you possibly can.  Modeling this behavior helps kids get it and know what giving 110% looks like, so they can go out and do it in their own lives.

Role models for this behavior are super important, and I am so grateful when my kids have additional role models that show them how to live this motto, such as teachers, volunteers, extended family, etc. For my son, his role model, his mentor, is his soccer coach. My son wants to give 110% out on the soccer field, because his coach models this behavior. He even wants to be a soccer coach just like him, because they have a relationship built on trust and respect. His coach encourages him, supports him in his efforts and is helping to shape the person my son will become.

Because of this special relationship, my son wants to support his coach. This reciprocity is essential in society, in relationships, and in life. My son’s coach has a young daughter, who was diagnosed with diabetes at age 2. He is a wonderful role model of a father as well. Imagine having a toddler who needs to check her blood sugar level throughout the day, and receive shots 4 times a day. Now that she is grammar school, he goes to her school to eat lunch with her and give her her insulin shot. Everyday.

So what can my son do to support his coach, besides being on time, behaving well, and trying hard on the field? This Saturday, my son will be getting out of bed at 5:30 am, and traveling 2+ hours to show his support, to do all  he can. He can walk in the annual Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes event in Portland, OR. The money raised goes toward prevention and research to find a cure for diabetes. He donated $5 of his own money, money he earned doing yard work this summer, since he does not get an allowance. He wants to give 110%, the  symbolic $110 donation. So he is soliciting for sponsors to support him in supporting his coach. He is 28% of the way there. He only has 2 days left!

As his mom, along with  offering my emotional support, I will support his efforts financially. For every pattern purchase made today and tomorrow in my Etsy shop , I will donate $2 (or 1/3 of each purchase) to help him reach his goal. If he reaches his goal by midnight PST  tonight, I will have a $4 pattern sale all Friday!! With only $79 to go, this is very do-able.

I am so proud of the way my son has reacted to this call. I feel strongly we all need a cause, a passion, and supportive, reciprocal relationships. At 12 years old, a child can be so genuine and giving–something that should be nurtured and supported.

For more information about the fundraiser event, go here The website has tons of information regarding diabetes and ways to help. You can even make a donation online if this cause speaks to you, as it did to my young son.

This is the link to the Portland, Oregon event.

Thanks for reading and allowing me to share.

~Erin