I am a Soccer Mom

Last week I became a soccer mom.  Something I had joked with my friends about never becoming but I did.  My son is two years old now and one bundle full of energy.  Typical toddler he is testing his limits. He doesn't always listen well.  However he does enjoy kicking a ball around and running.

The first class did not go so well.  Not because of the coaching; Coach Meagan rocks!  The problem was Byron had decided he didn't want to take a nap that afternoon.  I had one cranky boy on my hands!  And the mood swings!  I did not know a little boy could have so many mood swings in 45 minutes.  One minute he would be screaming to keep playing the last game, then run off to join the current game.  But I was determined to make it through the whole practice.  We did and Byron was exhausted.

Second class went much better.  B did not always want to stop playing the game but he recovered and joined the next game quicker.  Then with 10 minutes left in the class he just laid down on the grass and rubbed his eye.  His fun threshold had been temporarily maxed out.  It was too cute.  

Now some people may think that I'm insane for starting B in soccer at only two years of age.  To them I say that Sportball starts at 16 months!  Sportball isn't just soccer either.  It's also volleyball, basketball, tennis, hockey, golf and football.  What better way to introduce young children to a variety of sports so that they can make a solid decision on which one(s) they want to continue playing.

The other defence to the sanity claim I have is simple - if children are ready to participate in pre-school, why not sports?  Why just limit learning to colouring, counting, and the alphabet?  Why not also teach them other skills, get them moving, having fun?  As parents we do need to strike a balance between over scheduling our child and giving them opportunities to grow.

My choice for soccer was based on two simple facts.  B likes to kick and run after a ball; soccer is a logical sport to try.  Soccer is also a shorter program letting me test the waters as to whether B was even ready for organized sports.

When I was growing up I don't remember starting sports until grade 5 but I also realize that my parents sacrificed to put me through the best school they could afford.  Within that school I was exposed to high quality education, music and competitive sports.  I attribute my successes to my coaches as much as my band and choir director as I do all the teachers I had at that school.  

My goal is to ensure B has those same lessons that are not as obvious at first glance.  Two year olds are asserting their independence, learning to listen and follow instructions.  Soccer is offering B a fun way of developing those skills but at the same time he is also learning that he cannot always do what he wants, when he wants.  He's learning boundaries.  For example, there is a playground at the end of the soccer field.  B is always torn between the playground and a chance to kick a ball.  Throughout practice I can be heard saying "We can play on the playground after soccer."  He sometimes whines but sometimes he will go back to the skill lesson.

Honestly I would encourage parents to consider sports at this age where ever it is available.  It's good wholesome fun all while learning valuable life lessons.  At the very least encouraging sports at a young age is also instilling in a child the importance of physical activity in a healthy lifestyle.

Secretly, I'm really hoping B doesn't decide to be a hockey player.  I'm not a morning person, nor do I like cold arenas.  On the other hand, I do like coffee and chatting with other parents...