I am NOT an athlete by any stretch of the imagination. Except for the obligatory stint in gymnastics and dance as a preschooler, the swim lessons at the Y, and the ill-fated attempt at freshman track and field (do not ask me to throw a discus for you!), I did not do sports as a kid. I was more of your music-type kid.
However, working at the Y has given me more of an appreciation for youth sports. I see the benefit for both the kids and the parents. Let's be honest: one of my main motivations for signing up my kids is the fact that I get to sit and watch and socialize with other parents. Selfish, I know! I also feel like I want my kids to be well-rounded and exposed to all types of sports. How do you know that you like tennis if you've never even picked up a racquet?
This fall Grant wanted to play soccer, Caroline was willing to do ballet through the parks dept., and Jack agreed in a weak moment to do tennis. (In fairness, Jack did sort of know what he was getting into since he had done the tennis camp through the Y this summer.)
First up: Grant. He was a VERY physical, aggressive soccer player. I didn't go every week, but what I did see and hear was that he was very good at using his hips to check other kids as they tried to get the ball. I'm not sure the Y condones dirty playing like that, but I guess that's one way to steal/keep the ball. He scored a goal--yay!--and seemed to have fun. We shall see if he wants to do it again next year.
Next up: Caroline. She looked so sweet in her little leotard and ballet shoes. The first week she was hesitant to go in but seemed to have fun. The problem came after our little neighbor came to the class for a make-up session. She only attended one class with Caroline, but after Caroline realized Meg wasn't in her class, she no longer wanted to go. She appeared to enjoy dancing and would smile with the other little girls, but each Tuesday she would complain about going. I may try to see if she's willing to it again in January if she attends with some friends from her preschool class. I'm just not ready to see the ballet experience end. :(
See? She was so cute at doing the positions!
running around the pole with the other girls
getting a tic-tac at the end of class: the special treat!
Last, but not least: Jack. Ryan signed up to be the tennis coach, not realizing how much work it would be. However, Jack did really well and seemed to learn a lot. He liked getting a tennis racquet and shirt and was pretty happy playing. I think we will definitely be signing him up for tennis in the future. Ryan played it in high school, and I enjoy watching it (and playing, though it's been 8 1/2 years since that's happened!).
