My kids don’t play organized sports and that’s okay! In fact I’ve always liked it that way, but more importantly they like it that way. Please don’t misunderstand I’m not anti team sports, and we did encourage the boys to try…
In fact after years of signing my older son up for the “right” team, getting up early on weekends, shlepping the little brother along, volunteering, preparing snack, washing the uniform, losing the uniform, returning the uniform and driving back and forth to soccer, baseball, basketball, and swim team I rejoiced when he finally asked to quit.
In truth he didn’t really have the drive necessary to succeed, but expected success, how was that going to work long term? I could see years of disappointment ahead and as a mom I could hardly bear it.
It wasn’t all bad and there were some nice moments along the way, but none of them made up for all the times I had to drag him all of us to practice knowing he wasn’t even really having fun. I used to pray for a rain out and we live in California – where we’ve been experiencing a drought for the past 5 years.
Freedom
Once we’d liberated ourselves from the grueling team sport schedules, I worried about what would happen to our friendships after spending years being part of “the team.” What would happen now? Would it be okay? Turns out it would! Phew!
We slept in on weekends while our friends did the sports thing and then met up with them later… But, that all changed as soon as we moved. It’s hard to be the new kid when you’re not into team sports? How do you meet people?
Guess I’d Better Set That Alarm After All
Simon discovered surfing this past summer and joined his school’s surf team! How cool is that?! Watching him practice and seeing the look of joy on his face has finally opened me up to what it must feel like for other parents during their child’s sporting events. Instead of a field we meet at the beach, it’s the rash guard that’s lost and the wetsuit that needs a wash, but the little brother loves the beach and even though surf boards make carpooling difficult I’ll do the shlepping, because I love to see the look of happiness on my son’s face!
Sunset Surf Team Practice
Heading to sunrise surf practice
So maybe it’s not a Ball Sport as Simon calls them, but he’s found his passion, which sadly for me means no more sleeping in on weekends. Its back to those early mornings, afternoon practices, team events and competitions, only this time I won’t mind a bit!
So, I guess I’m joining the sports mom club after all… better late than never!
*Insert team sport here.
baublesandknots
Love this! My daughter wasn’t much for traditional sports which in our area is basketball, volleyball, & softball for girls. She did take to swimming. She may not be the most competitive, but she always strives to better herself which I think is maybe the most important lesson.
Hilary
Exactly! Though it’s hard sometimes not to get caught up in what everyone else is doing… realizing it was okay to do our own thing was huge for us!
Clare Thomson
Enjoyed this, Hilary. I’ve always been so relieved my boys aren’t into ball sports but we do, however, have a very keen dancer in the family! Cx
Hilary
Thanks! It’s nice to know there are others out there !!