tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post8687525983394194816..comments2024-03-28T10:58:46.931-04:00Comments on Martin Family Moments: In Defense of Children's AthleticsColleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11451797365712728579noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-57335921312227297042013-01-09T09:19:40.288-05:002013-01-09T09:19:40.288-05:00This is so hard for me. Not because I disagree be...This is so hard for me. Not because I disagree because everything you said is right. I just have a hard time that we can't do everything, you know? Every family seems to have their 'personality' and ways that they focus their energy and darn it, only a certain amount of hours in a day. We're signing the boys up for baseball again this year (first year for Michael) and I'm already nervous about the commitment. And that's with only one sport :) I'm pretty jealous of our family time and think it's more important than any other activity so we're taking this one year at a time to make sure that we're happy with the sacrifices these sports entail. It's the only way I can approach it without having heart palpitations thinking about when all four are old enough!Mary @ Better Than Edenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05409924891343767874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-5464633517854334712013-01-08T20:19:00.528-05:002013-01-08T20:19:00.528-05:00She wasn't lying. She IS actually shy (but in...She wasn't lying. She IS actually shy (but in a social way... if that's possible). I'm less shy but do less "social" things. She's more shy but does more "social" things. I know, weird. I laughed out loud at your comments and agree that there are all sorts of ways to socialize and excersize our chidlren and give them opportunities to find interests. <br /><br />And I think Colleen's right about getting kids moving... hoping that somehow trickles down to me someday as I've just admired the Martin family and their athleticism over the years.Marijanna and Shaunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01973287919844571970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-43743800625366704962013-01-08T17:08:17.909-05:002013-01-08T17:08:17.909-05:00Scheduling definitely gets challenging with a big ...Scheduling definitely gets challenging with a big family...especially as they get older and the practices/games are more often! We have to limit, too, for our own sanity. It's really important that we can eat dinner together at least some seasons of the year! Basketball is our biggest sacrifice season bc 4 of the kids play plus Andrew runs track. So far, that's the kids' favorite....and I have to say that I am SOOOOO glad the baseball years are over! Ellie tried softball but I think it was a failed experiment(thank God!) and I think we will do soccer with Luke!Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00256284238173232487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-91471252303336639382013-01-08T13:22:07.578-05:002013-01-08T13:22:07.578-05:00thanks for stopping by :), I'm a new follower....thanks for stopping by :), I'm a new follower.<br /><br />I love your list I'm trying to keep us being more active together.<br /><br />Keeping so is the way to go :)Alexis AKA MOMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10829562970824293447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-62590788814460092412013-01-08T10:31:50.756-05:002013-01-08T10:31:50.756-05:00I have to add, (I know shut up already, right) my ...I have to add, (I know shut up already, right) my 2nd child, was in ballet for like 5 years, starting at age 3, she finally gave it up because it was not competitive, there was no challenge there for her. I think doing sports and letting our kids try things helps them figure out what fits them best. <br /><br />Jamie Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17678469484585027738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-50290386392797525772013-01-08T10:29:11.521-05:002013-01-08T10:29:11.521-05:00Oh, gosh, forgot to add, love those pictures of wh...Oh, gosh, forgot to add, love those pictures of when the kiddos were littler--Eamon running, how cute is that? <br /><br />(very very cute!)Jamie Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17678469484585027738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-42049736729872473952013-01-08T10:28:13.576-05:002013-01-08T10:28:13.576-05:00Ok, before I forget--you were kidding about that &...Ok, before I forget--you were kidding about that "shy moms" comment right? (I do not picture you to be shy at all:)<br /><br />You are such a fun mama--great post as usual! <br /><br />Our girls just started gymnastics, because, well, they are going to try all those moves anyway...I agree, though, it's dangerous. Clare, our 8 year old, fell off the beams this past fall (she had forgotten to use the beam with padding to fall on) and she got hurt in several places, I couldn't believe how many places she hurt--and she was lucky, she was better within a week, but didn't want to go back for a couple weeks. I cringe every time they are doing the beams, I'm praying to all the angels in heaven to keep them safe--There, add brings you closer to God--all that praying in the stands and for themselves, look at how many professionals make the sign of the cross before playing!! (well, it can)<br /><br />Our 6 year old tried gymnastics, now she is not coordinated or graceful at all, but she just kept trying, I loved watching her spirit, of not giving up, at all. <br /><br />til an opportunity came up to try Tae Kwon do. Now she's really into that....She got to try it last week and can't wait. We are letting her try it, it seems a better fit for her than gymnastics and she seems to like it more. Although, her reason was that gymnastics hurts your body all over and TKD does not. (hmmmm....) <br /><br />The thing I've learned with 6 kids is that they are not all the same. They all have different interests and dislikes and gifts and talents. (lots of ands in that sentence, huh?) Our oldest has never liked sports, if he ever broke a sweat doing anything, I think I'd have to start "woo hoo" ing. We made him do soccer for a few years, but gave in when he was old enough to really say why he didn't like it. He's not that competitive. He loves piano. He loves Tae Kwon Do, to the point he's written a few papers on the benefits of it, and the biggest for him is the confidence he notices in himself. <br />So, as I'm typing this, I'm even realizing that the things he picks are things that better himself, without the competitive aspect. (he is in piano festivals competing to get high scores but they are in front of one single judge in a small room--he does not see the competition, so just does his best--he does get to perform in front of larger crowds though, which adds to that self confidence thing) He also loves swimming. <br /><br />As a parent, I'd love to see him in "normal" sports, but seeing him bloom in the things he enjoys is priceless. Being the oldest, he definately knows what he likes and what he doesn't. <br /><br />Our 2nd born is completely opposite of him, wanting to join everything possible. She's good at everything she does too. She's very athletic and competitive (to a fault) We did have to put limits on her, she had to choose between gymnastics and band this year, I just can't do everything, the driving, the costs...she picked gymnastics, for the fitness aspect.<br />Homeschool theatre, piano and gymnastics...enough running for me. <br /><br />Our 3rd born, keeps it simple and practical. She wants to focus on one thing at a time, and now it's gymnastics. Tried piano, not her thing. Tried Tae Kwon Do, does not like the outfits. She's the middle child, does not like to be the center of attention at all. <br /><br />I went way off there as usual...my point, they are all different and sports and extra activities have helped bring out their personalities and all the things you've mentioned. <br /><br />OK, that got way too long. So sorry, I'm pumping away here, needing adult conversation I guess... <br /><br /> Jamie Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17678469484585027738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-43380850494665571552013-01-08T10:20:42.472-05:002013-01-08T10:20:42.472-05:00Totally agree! My 2 yr old is begging for ballet c...Totally agree! My 2 yr old is begging for ballet class b/c her 3 yr old friends are doing it! When she turns 3 there is mini kickers around here for her - and she loves wearing her cleats around the yard. I'll probably sign her up for swim class too because I think learning to swim is well... insanely important!Joanne @ Our ABC Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01058789135966108669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-29993323607019468142013-01-08T10:05:48.577-05:002013-01-08T10:05:48.577-05:00It's so interesting, I was just thinking about...It's so interesting, I was just thinking about sports and how we are going to get our kids involved in them. I can't wait, but I also get nervous about the schedules/and truthfully, the 'culture' of some sports. It is good to remember the benefits and to keep those in mind when we consider what our kids will one day be involved with.Mary Wilkersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08895931413075965922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-5787730887189100282013-01-08T09:26:21.164-05:002013-01-08T09:26:21.164-05:00Awwwww....if you and I could be soccer moms togeth...Awwwww....if you and I could be soccer moms together, I may consider signing the kids up. As it is now, I can't imagine how you do it, so I just force the kids to ride their bikes for hours on end.<br /><br />kidding.<br />sort of.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05629132804649152538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-76933306893383566742013-01-08T09:06:29.569-05:002013-01-08T09:06:29.569-05:00my husband and i grew up playing multiple sports a...my husband and i grew up playing multiple sports at various levels. we're thankful for the experience and agree that many of life's lessons can be learned through sports. on the other hand, sports are a rocky path that can often suck one up. we once worshiped at the altar of sports. we desire more for our children. we are prudent not to overdue it. sports are not what they used to be and i prefer better socialization opportunities for my children, especially as they get older. <br /><br />we have found our CYO sports to be somewhat of a happy medium but that can even get tricky at times (ie; games on Sun.). there are also many other avenues to acquire the benefits that you mention. over the years we have participated in PE in the park, family sports, specialized clinics, sports days hosted by Father on a weekly basis, and more. finding alternatives to the current offering of sports can take some work but we have found it to be well worth the effort.<br /><br />i pray that we sanctify sport, fitness and practice in a way which brings us closer to Christ.<br /><br />prayers for your journey. ALL FOR!Lenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14778371989564675262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-23380600289929759472013-01-08T08:58:02.735-05:002013-01-08T08:58:02.735-05:00i agree about the obesity. I do not think its all ...i agree about the obesity. I do not think its all mcdonalds etc...i personally feel its the direct lact of activity for children. My oldest son was just telling me that they only have 5 mins for recess in 5th grade. Then, most children that are overweight live in poorer areas where there is no safe place to play plus they can't afford the sports in their area. Football here costs 170 to register, extra fees too and plus uniform fees...Hockey is more expensive, Sofia wants to do gymnastics but its 100 a month here not counting extras like outfits etc...Its too expensive for most families. Even our YMCA here is outrageously overpriced. Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09561187611952737419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-61284273511929852232013-01-08T08:50:14.655-05:002013-01-08T08:50:14.655-05:00I'd like to make a motion that ice hockey be m...I'd like to make a motion that ice hockey be moved from the dangerous category to the expensive category. I've actually heard that there are not as many hockey injuries as there are basketball injuries, because there is so much equipment that a hockey player wears for protection/safety. <br />However, lots of equipment also means high cost, so in the end I think many would still rule it out.Meghan Mellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00558786248960319214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5937303870758455964.post-37398268162409501522013-01-08T08:43:16.690-05:002013-01-08T08:43:16.690-05:00I agree with everything you stated. Right now we ...I agree with everything you stated. Right now we have the boys horseback riding and they just started swimming lessons. Rhett just started riding a sweet pony for now, but Clark and Eric on on large horses. I'm hoping horseback riding will teach them about responsibily for animals as well as just building character. I'm thinking about finding a soccer league to put the older two in as well. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com