It’s finally sort of good weather, and we are trying to get the kids signed up for some summer activities. The last thing I want is these kids sitting in front of the TV or Wii all summer long, when it’s sunny and gorgeous outside (hopefully).
It’s no problem with the Boy; all he wants to do is be outside with a ball. The Girl, however, is another story. She LOVES the television, chatting with her friends, her room, her dress-up clothes and books. Those are not so bad, except that they all occur indoors. Her interest to play outside, or engage in any sports is very limited.
We put her in the local soccer league last summer, and she went to most games. While on the field, she did everything but actually play soccer – she picked dandelions, sang, danced, and chatted with a couple of other like-minded girls. It didn’t really bother me; at least she was outside in the fresh air, and participating in a team.
This year, we headed over to the local soccer club to hand in our registration for the upcoming season. The gentleman who runs the program spoke directly to the Girl, and asked her how she felt about getting started with her team.
She looked him in the eye and said, “I’m not going to register today, I think. I need some more time to think about it.”
Back in the car, I asked her what it is exactly she wanted to think about, and if she wanted to talk about her concerns. She replied:
“Mummy, I just didn’t want to hurt the man’s feelings. I don’t want to play soccer because it makes me tired when I have to run from one end of the field to the other.”
Aaaarghh!
Hi Amreen – Miranda is not into sports at all really. She does tennis once a week with the boys and swimming lessons but otherwise, it’s all about dance (3 hours per week) and she also does horse riding lessons. I’m ok with that but all kids are different I suppose. Toby is not interested in sports involving a ball but likes karate and swimming. As long as she’s active and healthy in other ways, I wouldn’t worry too much. I figure kids will all find their way eventually. 🙂
Thanks for the comment, Jen. This girl does know her mind extremely well – she’s had this uncanny self-awareness from a very young age. All of a sudden today, she told me she was interested in basketball. I don’t know where it will take us, but it’s worth exploring. On another note, my Baby went to Sportplay soccer today and spent the whole time eating popcorn on the blanket!
Our posts are like bookends!
First, be glad that your daughter knows her mind so well; it will save you the weeks of cajoling, bribing, yelling and dragging her to soccer games she doesn’t want to go to!
Kids certainly come to their “things” at different paces. I hope your daughter ends up loving soccer as much as mine is right now, but maybe she’ll discover a passion for swimming, gymnastics or lacrosse!!
Or maybe you need to invest in a lovely X-large coach’s jersey, Amreen! I know where you can get one, slightly used.
Good advice, Tracey. We are stepping back from soccer and trying tennis this summer – maybe it will click!
Jen, thanks for showing me that post! Funny that we posted on such a similar topic at the exact same time. Jen H. has inspired me to not give up in my quest to make the Girl a team player!
Oops: http://www.urbanmoms.ca/trend_watch/2011/05/getting-our-kicks.html
Did you read Jen of Trend Watch’s latest? Go over there now!http://www.urbanmoms.ca/trend_watch/2011/05/getting-our-kicks.html
Uch. My girl is still small, so I can’t say for absolute certain, but I think I’d just sign her up anyway – she’ll certainly never learn to love it if she’s not exposed to it… and it’s not as if you’re pressing to make her a soccer-star or anything – she might have more fun this time! Good luck, lady!! xox