Can you believe it's already time for soccer season again? Seems like just yesterday I was complaining about having four kids playing soccer, and here I am a year later, complaining that we have 5 kids playing. That's right, five kids playing on five different teams, which means five practice schedules during the week and five games every Sunday afternoon. We are at the fields every day except for Monday. Who knew Monday would become my favorite day of the week?
What was I thinking? It's not like my kids are heading to play professional soccer one day, I don't know if they will play at college level. Heck, I don't even know if they will go to college!
What I do know is that they all want to play soccer, and we want them to be healthy, active, happy, holy kids. Playing sports helps us accomplish these goals even though it makes our role as their parents a bit difficult for the season. There are many things in this life we deny our children because it does not make them better people, or because we don't have the ability to do them. Sports is something we choose to invest our time and energy in for our kids, and hopefully they will learn many life lessons, just as we did.
The high school at which we work, and where they will attend, makes it mandatory for students to play two seasons of athletics or else they have to take gym class, and I want my kids to feel prepared for that level when it arrives. Being involved in sports also allows them to learn how to take care of their bodes (healthy food, hydration, rest, and exercise), make friends outside their comfort zone, develop physical coordination, learn to play as part of a group, cheer on teammates, lose gracefully, win graciously, and fulfill commitments. For us, sports is a big win win.
But don't mind if I complain along the way, because the good things in life ain't easy, and I'm not the world's greatest soccer mom. That would be her.
Well, if anyone can do it, it's you guys! Fire up the crock pot and you'll be good to go!
ReplyDeleteThis is a good reminder for me. I am dreading sports seasons because of the commitment it will take- but I know it will be good for the kids. We decided not to start lil' A (4) yet because of the baby coming in the fall, it will just be entirely too much with school starting for him as well. but come spring, we will be right there with you mama--- except exchange soccer for football :) #jesustakethewheel
ReplyDeletewow, that is a lot! I suppose this is a glimpse into my future, I need to enjoy just having 2 in sports while it lasts.
ReplyDeleteWell, it makes for the cutest of pictures, for sure!
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame that with your kids being so close in age that it doesn't work out that at least TWO of them be on the same team. Darn it!
Hang in there.
We never had 5 different schedules at once, but often had at least 3. Those were hectic days. But we agree--for us, sports was a win-win.
ReplyDeleteThis post is great--it perfectly explains the reasons why team sports are so good for kids--and why they should play the sports they love, just because they love them--not because they're planning for all the college sports scholarships they're going to get down the road. Well put. :)
You are amazing. Period. That schedule is a level of craziness I will never be able to survive. Or we would need a fat budget to be able to eat lots of pre-prepared foods!! And how CUTE are they in those uniforms?!?!
ReplyDeleteYou go, soccer mom! I'd totally own that. You are pretty much just as awesome as Mrs. Foss (how does she do all that??!!). I smiled all the way through those photos picturing you out in the front yard with them all soccer mom-ish. Be proud of those athletic and well disciplined kiddos and yourself (and Phil) for making the sacrifices needed. These seasons won't last forever.
ReplyDeleteNow if I could just figure out a way to bi-locate, I'd be there watching the kids play while sitting with you on the sidelines drinking Dunkin' Donuts coffee.....