proud mama

SlyRafa are in a soccer program that teaches fundamentals and a love of the sport.  We love watching them run around and work on their skills.  Since they will always be the oldest in their class at school because of their birthdate, I intentionally put them in an older soccer class so that they will be on the younger side (in this case, the youngest).  I can already see how they are learning to stick with it and try even when the other kids are better than they are.  The coach is also doing a magnificent job encouraging them and working with them to improve and giving them confidence. 

There is SO much that I want them to learn.  But, right now, I'm convinced that the most important things for them to learn are generosity, gratitude, and caring for others. They will have plenty of time to learn letters and numbers, but right now I think it is critical to start inculcating their basic values. So, I beamed bright like the sun during their last scrimmage when a boy, probably twice my kids' size, fell down next to Sylvia and she immediately reached over and helped him up.  Forget that the other kids smoke them in soccer skills at this point, this proud mama thinks she was the best player out there that day.

And, major props to the "coach" who noticed what she did and made a point of making a big deal about it to encourage good sportsmanship.