Spring is in the air and sport registration packets are complete, equipment purchased, practices scheduled.  Let the games begin!  This is the first year that my children actually "tried out" for teams.  They both play Lacrosse (picture ice hockey on a field), thanks to their father who is passionate about the sport and waited "years" to bring them into the fold.  I suppose every  parent who was an athlete has a certain dream of their own children following in their footsteps.  They may even pray for a college scholarship or, on occasion, fantasize them becoming the next Michael Jordan. Our son, age 8 and in his third season, is a strong player and made the A Team as anticipated.  Our daughter, age 10 and in her second year, is a good player and tried out for the A Team as well.  I didn't think she was ready and secretly prayed she wouldn't make it.  Was that a fair thing to do? 

    She would have been the "small fish in the big pond,' not an ideal environment when she lacks confidence in her game and second guesses herself on the field.  We talked about what she wanted.  She conceded there is a certain amount of prestige that comes with casually saying "Oh, I am on the A Team." We discussed how she felt at the tryouts and how she would feel playing with that league of girls.  Would she mind not seeing that much time on the field?  Would she mind three practices and one game a week?  Would she mind sprints and two mile runs? She started to see my point. 

     Turned out she didn't make the A team.  She is one of the better players on the B team and happy with the result.  I'm happy I let her try out, despite my concerns and private prayers.  I'm also grateful I was able to support her in seeing the value of one more year of "big fish" little pond before swimming out to sea.  Again, she is just 10.  There is plenty of time for the A Team. 

Mama Kim  Kalbuerne@gmail.com

 


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