A Learning Experience
I haven’t mentioned The Girl and soccer very much this spring. Through a variety of unforeseen circumstances, player defections, coaching changes, etc., she ended up being on a team that was not a good match for her. She still played (out of position) and got better; but did not improve as much as she had hoped. I’m really proud of the way that she handled a situation that was not the best. She complained to me and her mother; but, otherwise, kept her feelings to herself and tried to help the team as much as she could. I’ve coached in the past and know how difficult it can be, so I never, ever, ever say anything to the coach; but I have to say that this was the closest that I’ve come to being one of those obnoxious parents that coaches hate. Thankfully, the season is over now and it’s all in the past. She’s definitely going to be with a different club team next year.
The Girl learned two valuable lessons from the experience. First, it can be fun to play with people you know but it’s not always the best thing. And second, adversity isn’t always your fault; but you have to deal with it any way. She was a little out burned on soccer towards the end of the season; but still finished strong. It pained me to watch her slowly drained of enthusiasm for something she loves so much; especially since there wasn’t anything I could do. I know its part of growing up; but usually I am able to “fix things”. We’ll just consider it a “learning experience” and hope for better things next year.
P.S. The Girl can still play really ball.
Amen brother. Been there, done that and my children are better for it. Hope your daughter takes it well and grows from it.
Ken Wilson: It wouldn’t be so hard if she wasn’t a good player. This is probably the first time in her life where talent and hard work weren’t enough.
“the first time in her life where talent and hard work weren’t enough.” is sadly the way so many jobs go in “Real life” too, and you coud use it as a lesson. I have seen many, young balls of fire with real drive, get ground up and eventualy accept the attitude of why should I excell when XYZ don’t do anything and gets paid more than me. At her tender age it can hurt alot. Pro-Sports do not imitate real life like school sports. PS I have a neighbor that has abot ten million watts of sound in his car. That would fend off any form of life, Ducks included. How about a trade???
Carolina Jim & Wife: It’s hard watching our children learn life’s lessons some times, especially when they haven’t done anything wrong. As you pointed out, it happens in the workplace too. Hopefully, merit will be more important than politics some day.