November 07, 2005
Gratuitous Domestic Posting (TM)
It was an interesting weekend with the Llama-ettes. Here are a few highlights:
-- The three year old has figured out how to swing herself on the swing. Part of this, I think, is simply a matter of physics - finally being heavy enough to generate momentum - but part of it is also a matter of getting the coordinated motions down. She's proud as hell. I, for one, am also happy because it means I don't have to keep pushing her all the time.
-- The five and seven year olds were quizzing each other over spelling at the breakfast table Saturday. The five year old asked a word which the seven year old spelled correctly. I nodded my head and the five year old said, "You're right!" The seven year old immediately replied, "How would you know? You can't even spell it." The five year old's instant reply was, "No, but Daddy said you were right and Daddy knows everything!"
I'm going to cherish that sentiment as long as ever I can, knowing that it's only a matter of time before she's calling me an idiot.
-- The five year old is also turning out to be something of a lightning bolt on the soccer field, hurling herself about flat out until she has to be removed to the sidelines for a break. This is in contrast to the seven year old, who plays well but doesn't play quite as hard. I've been noodling over whether to touch the third rail of Sibling J. Rivalry in order to put a bit more fire into the elder gel. I'd never stoop to comparisons - i.e., "Your sister tries harder than you do." But I wonder whether some use could be made of remarks like, "Wow, you should have seen the way your sister ran around out there!"
It's a thought.
Guilt. It's what's for dinner.
My nearest sibling in age is three years older than me, and I alsways drew highly unfavorable comparisons from teachers (and adults in general) for my efforts. She was also a great athlete (high school, all-conference in 3 sports) while my primary athletic ability involves not doing anything that might get me injured. I was ranked #13 on our school's 14 man tennis team.
No lasting damage was, as we are good friends today. But man, did I have a chip on my shoulder about her when I was growing up.
[Insert sound of electrocution here.]
Yes, this is the sort of thing I would want to avoid. As I say, I only toy with the idea because I think the gel might try a bit harder than she sometimes does. If I thought there were serious differences in raw talent, I wouldn't go that way.
Posted by: Robbo the LB at November 7, 2005 11:49 AMYoots.
I've coached da yoots since 1994. I've had great mentors--for instance, Jimmy Conway who played for the Portland Timbers 1978-80--and the Number One Thing for kids is how you answer the following question:
Are the kids having fun?
If they are, you are a successful coach, you are a successful parent, you are a pillar of your community and a great, all-around guy.
Did I teach the fundamentals? Yes...while the kids thought they were simply playing. Having fun.
Now my little peebins are playing in our state's championship. Are they having fun? Yes. Are they playing their little hineys off? You betcha. I guess it all comes down to "time exists so everything doesn't happen at once".
Have fun, Dad.
Posted by: OregonGuy at November 7, 2005 12:04 PMBanish the thought of comparing one child to the other... This will only lead to misery no matter what your good intentions are...
Posted by: babs at November 7, 2005 02:24 PMIn any event, who really gives a care about the outcome of childhood soccer? Only sick people...
Posted by: babs at November 7, 2005 02:25 PM
