When your child takes to something new, do they go all in and peeter out? Or do they sort of try it half heartedly as if once signed up they realize they are in for the long-haul? How do you encourage your kids when they try something new?
I’m asking because Cutie Pie has been interested in soccer since having the chance to play with some big kids after church a few times this summer. His interest didn’t wane into the school year so we signed him up for the local soccer association. His first time going was a very rainy, I mean heavy down-pour rainy, Saturday morning. We were really worried after his first try he wouldn’t want to go again, but he was not deterred! He really liked being part of a team.
I like this soccer association so far. The organization pushes having fun and learning at the younger levels and moves to a focus on strategies and achievements at the older levels. That’s not to say they don’t actually play games at the younger levels, they do. However, the focus is on how they played, not on whether they won or not, which seems different than how they won or lost.
His first time they played a fun game chasing each others’ tails (like touch football flags) and grabbing them. They moved on to kicking soccer balls around and while practicing dribbling tried to protect their soccer balls from being taken, like their tails were. Then they donned pinnies and worked on teamwork, making goals. All along Cutie Pie was out there running his hardest, trying his best.
It was very obvious some kids have played this before or have been on some sort of team before, while others, like Cutie Pie, have never even thought of being on a team before or maybe never even kicked a soccer ball! I liked the encouragement of the coaches – for all the kids, not just the ‘good’ ones.
I’m proud of him for wanting to try something new. I’m also proud that he stuck it out in the rain (at about half of the sessions!) and stayed excited about playing. And that he went to every practice excited to kick the ball, gave it his all while he was there, and wants to do it again!
What new thing has your child tried lately?
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