To Coach or Not To Coach?

Question
Hi Dennis. I appreciated your help in dealing with some coaching issues regarding my son and I thought I could use some advice on an obliquely related topic.

As I mentioned in my earlier conversation I was a coach/manager/assistant coach etc. for 11 of my son's 13 teams. He's 11 (birthday in September) and in the 11-12 Majors at present. The fiasco we've been through with his present coaching situation has me reconsidering about managing again. I offered to assist this season but apparently the league was full up with assistant coaches.  He's pitching again praise God and doing well with some uninspired infield backup if you know what I mean. I was hopeful if you could give me your two cents worth as to whether coaching your own son has more benefits for him than not. He really wants me to be his manager again but I'm having a hard time saying yeah or nay since I want whats ultimately best for him. I originally wanted my son to experience other coaches who would not favor him necessarily. Unquestionably he responds and plays better when I'm coaching. But then again, I won't always be there coaching for him, especially as he nears high school ball - or is that too far away in the future for me to be concerned with that yet? I'm certain there are others in my position who can relate to my problem. What can you suggest? Thanks again for your assistance and guidance.

Answer
Hey Alan,

I'm sorry to hear that this has not been resolved.
Yes it's true that you will not always be there for your son as far as coaching him goes..  The goal of little league baseball is for the kids to have fun doing it.  When it becomes more than a game, then everything changes..
You, as a parent want what's best for your son. We all do. If you don't feel that playing under the present coaching staff is benefiting your son, then you need to do something.  He can switch teams. You could coach.  He could quit and take up something else..  Are the present coaches hard on him? Not making it fun..
I don't know you personally, so I can't tell you if coaching your son would be good for your son, or not so good.. Why did you quit coaching after only a few years? Most parents stay with their son at least till High School.  Were parents giving you a hard time or was it taking too much of your time..?
People have to understand that Little League is not about winning.. It's about teaching and instruction.. When players move on to Tournament team play, then the rules change.  
I hate that your son is not enjoying the great game of baseball.. One thing is for sure.. You will surely be doing your homework next year..
Yes, there are benefits in coaching your son.. He can pitch regularly as you see fit and can bat as you see fit.. But remember daddy isn't gonad be coaching him when he's playing on the High School team. Good Luck and keep in touch..
Dennis