Matthew started soccer last weekend. It’s not anything formal, just a clinic to get them used to kicking the ball and having fun with the sport. They don’t play games, because, well, a group of two year olds aren’t capable of doing that yet.
Last weekend, he just wanted to run around, THROWING the balls, not listening to anyone (B, coaches, nor myself). It was hard for me because I enrolled him to give him something fun, but with structure. I want him to learn to listen well and take instruction. I expected this to come immediately since he’s in school.
Not so much!
B and I parent very differently (that’s a post in the making) and he wanted me to lighten up (rightfully so). It was hard.
This past weekend, I let B take him and I met them there. He refused his shin guards (of course) and his soccer socks, but he was having a good time. And he was listening a little better. He took a quick break to come say hello to me… And was extra cute about it. And then he was off again to have FUN. And I didn’t interfere as much as last week (all the parents step in).
We’re both getting better. We’re both getting there!
November 11, 2013 at 8:04 am
I am right there with you. Sometimes I find myself getting frustrated with Avery when we are painting. Seriously, why? I think I only struggle with high expectations when there is a “right” way to do it. So I have tried to remove an end goal or expectation from my mind before we do something. Sometimes it helps and sometimes I just bite my tongue.
November 18, 2013 at 10:34 pm
“Seriously, why?” YES! HA HA HA!
I just want him to listen a LITTLE and not run all over the place like a chicken with its head cut off.
November 11, 2013 at 2:57 pm
I agree with Kalyn. I’ve been doing “crafts” with Aiden at least once a week. I always get so disappointed afterwards b/c he didn’t “behave” like I thought he should, or it wasn’t a hit like I imagined it would be. I think our expectations/vision of how things should be often gets in the way of us letting our kids grow and learn for themselves. Matthew looks like he loves soccer, even without all of his gear on!
November 18, 2013 at 10:35 pm
I have to remember that he’s just two. He’s just two. He’s just two.
November 11, 2013 at 7:43 pm
Oh I think this is such a mum thing!! You are not alone! It looks from this photo that M is having a blast at soccer.. and sounds like it too 🙂 I know how hard it must be to see him seem to not be doing it ‘properly’ but it is the fun that matters most. I am glad you are both getting better with it each week. Isn’t that the case so often in this parenthood gig? Learning together!
Also, Anthony and I are the same… as in, different! Yesterday I believe his exact words were, “Oh here comes the ice queen to ruin our fun!” when he was doing something with her which I forget now… Lids dancing on the kitchen counter? Them both drawing on her tummy with markers (which I am in the process of teaching her are just for paper)? Arrrg… Dads!! 😉
November 18, 2013 at 10:37 pm
Yeah, I’m the fun hater in this house! I’m also the one who is respected by our toddler 😉
November 12, 2013 at 8:35 am
Ugh, I have a feeling this is something I will struggle with too once Chloe gets involved in more things. Gymnastics has already been a preview and it’s not a good one lately. I grew up seeing the “crazy soccer parents” and vowed I would never be one, but that doesn’t mean I don’t get frustrated. I do have to be better at remembering especially at this age it’s all about fun, getting them to try new things, and socialize a bit. I bet Matthew is so cute playing soccer! I wouldn’t have thought they would enroll that young, but I bet it’s a riot to watch all the kids!
November 18, 2013 at 10:38 pm
Check out Happy Feet. I bet you have it there. They start the kids at 2, which honestly… is seeming a bit too young to me. He’s getting better every week, but that doesn’t mean he is behaving. 😉
November 14, 2013 at 7:59 pm
looks like he’s having blast! I am sure I will have a tough time with this too….we expect so much out of them, especially when we know what they’re capable of, but no 1 thing is to have fuN!
November 18, 2013 at 10:38 pm
YES! I KNOW he can listen. I KNOW he can follow directions. I KNOW he can take direction. But I also KNOW that he just needs to have fun!