We're about halfway through our soccer season here. It is Toby's third season playing, and he is really getting to be a good little ball handler. He has -maybe too good- of an understanding of defensive play in a league age group where swarming the ball is the only play in the book. And he has been very happy at practices and games... after the first practice where he cried A LOT. I asked him why all the tears the next day, and he said, "I just want to get a trophy like last year." Turns out he was putting massive pressure on himself to not make any mistakes so that he would get a trophy. Once I explained that EVERYONE gets a trophy at the end of the season, no matter what, he was able to relax and enjoy the game again.
Charlotte didn't play Fall soccer last year because "you just have to RUN, and I'm tired of it!" However, sitting on the sideline and watching Toby play all season had her second guessing her choice and wanting to try again this Spring. Rob and I hesitated, and reminded her that she would have to follow through on her commitment, but ultimately decided to let her give it another try. What a difference a year makes! Charlotte is actually playing soccer this year and has a new dream of being a "soccer star." While that may be a stretch, we are happy to see her participating appropriately. (ie. not ballet dancing and pouting on the field.)
Coincidentally, both Charlotte and Toby's teams are called the Dragons this year. (They are in different age groups.) As someone who never played team sports, I'm glad they have these opportunities to play on a team, and learn important things like good sportsmanship, doing your best, supporting your team/sibling, and of course being active and healthy. I love to watch them face and conquer their individual challenges. I'm a proud Dragon mama!
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