How to Deal with a High School Coach Who Dismisses Your Child’s Potential

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It’s a tough moment for any parent: you believe in your child’s abilities, you see their dedication, and you watch them give their all at practices and games—yet their high school coach doesn’t seem to share your view. Worse, when you approach the coach to seek clarity or feedback, he responds with generic clichés like “He just needs to work harder” or “It’s all about the team, not the individual.” These hollow talking points offer no insight into what your child can actually do to improve or how they’re truly being evaluated. So what can you do to navigate this challenging situation while keeping your child’s confidence and love for the game intact? 1. Keep Perspective: Recognize the Limitations of High School Coaching High school coaches often juggle teaching responsibilities, large rosters, and administrative tasks, leaving limited time for individualized attention. Some are deeply invested mentors, but others may rely on one-size-fits-all coaching approaches, and others may have th...
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How Trump’s New Tariffs Could Benefit the U.S. and California Construction Industry: Balancing Risks and Rewards



As of April 2025, President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs, including a 10% baseline tariff on all U.S. trading partners and higher rates on specific countries like China (34%), the European Union (20%), and Canada and Mexico (25%), are poised to reshape the construction industry. While these policies have sparked concerns about inflation and supply chain disruptions, they also present significant opportunities for domestic growth, particularly in the U.S. and California, a state heavily reliant on construction for infrastructure and housing development.

Benefits for the Construction Industry

One of the primary benefits of Trump’s tariffs is the potential to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported materials such as steel, aluminum, and lumber. By imposing tariffs, the administration aims to incentivize reshoring, encouraging companies to shift production back to the U.S. This could lead to increased demand for American-made construction materials, creating jobs and stabilizing supply chains. For California, where construction activity supports a $200 billion annual industry, this could mean more local sourcing of materials like concrete and steel, reducing vulnerability to international price volatility and geopolitical tensions.

Additionally, tariffs could level the playing field for U.S. producers who have long competed with cheaper imported goods. Reports indicate that Trump’s first-term tariffs on steel and aluminum already spurred a 17.4% increase in domestic manufacturing output between 2018 and 2023, suggesting a similar trend could emerge. In California, this could translate to a resurgence in regional manufacturing hubs, such as those in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, fostering economic growth and supporting infrastructure projects like high-speed rail and renewable energy installations.

Growth Forecasts

Economic analyses suggest modest growth for the construction sector despite initial disruptions. For 2025, national construction spending is projected to reach $1.26 trillion, a record high, with a potential 2% increase in 2026 as domestic production ramps up, according to industry experts. In California, where construction spending was $250 billion in 2024, growth could see a 1.5% to 2.5% annual increase over the next three years, driven by state-funded projects and federal incentives. By 2027, U.S. construction output might grow by 3% annually, reaching $1.35 trillion, with California’s share potentially rising to $265 billion, assuming tariffs stabilize supply chains and inflation cools.

Risks and Challenges

However, the tariffs are not without risks. Higher import costs could spike material prices, with some estimates suggesting a 7.5% increase in construction material costs nationally and up to 10% in California, where reliance on Canadian lumber and Mexican steel is significant. This inflationary pressure could delay projects, increase budgets, and deter private investment, especially for multifamily and commercial developments. Supply chain disruptions are another concern, as contractors may face shortages of specialized components, potentially extending project timelines by weeks or months.

Retaliatory tariffs from trading partners like Canada, Mexico, and the EU could also hurt U.S. exporters, indirectly affecting construction by reducing overall economic growth. Goldman Sachs has warned of a potential 0.4% GDP contraction in 2025, which could dampen demand for new construction. In California, where the housing shortage is already acute, any slowdown could exacerbate affordability issues, risking a 5% to 7% rise in home prices if material costs aren’t mitigated.

Regional Considerations for California

California’s construction industry faces unique challenges but also opportunities. The state’s strict environmental regulations and labor laws could complicate adjustments to tariff-induced cost increases, but its robust public infrastructure spending—estimated at $50 billion annually through 2027—could offset some negatives. If tariffs succeed in reducing imports and boosting local production, California could see a net gain of 10,000 to 15,000 construction jobs by 2027, according to industry surveys, particularly in areas like Sacramento and San Diego.

Conclusion

While Trump’s new tariffs introduce risks like higher costs and potential trade wars, their strategic intent to strengthen domestic production could ultimately benefit the U.S. and California construction industries. Growth forecasts suggest a cautious optimism, with national construction spending potentially rising to $1.35 trillion by 2027 and California’s share growing to $265 billion, assuming effective policy adjustments and market adaptation. For the industry to thrive, stakeholders must navigate these challenges with proactive planning, such as securing alternative suppliers and lobbying for exemptions on critical materials. If managed well, the tariffs could mark a turning point for American construction, fostering resilience and growth in an era of economic uncertainty.

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