T-ball season is officially here. With three practices and two games under Gabe's belt, he is finally getting back into the groove of things. This is his third season playing and by far his favorite sport.
Baseball (T-ball for now) is also the sport I take the most seriously. During soccer, I was all about playing for the fun of it. Let them run around and maybe kick the ball. But something happens to me when we get to the field. I turn into my Dad and the competitive switch gets turned on. All of us kids (on my Dad's side of the family) played and watched t-ball, baseball and softball. It's the one sport I literally grew up with. And I love it. I love everything about it. The hardest part of this season (for me) is not to MAKE Gabe love it.
I want Gabe to enjoy playing the game, want to improve his skills and want to be good. I want him to get it. To know how to catch the ball, where to throw it, how hard to hit the ball and when to run from base to base. It's coming, I know it is. I constantly have to remind myself he is only six years old. It's a balancing act between getting him to enjoy practicing at home and letting him (well) be a kid and run around. If I force it, he will give up and not develop a love of the game. How do I stand back and let him be "bad" though?
Maybe "bad" is the wrong word. You know what I mean. A "dandelion picker." Is that too harsh? I told you - something happens to me when I get on a ball field.
I think you spent to much time with me...I'm going to need meds with Iz starts playing hahahaha
ReplyDeleteI have found myself, multiple times, getting frustrated that he didn't automatically throw the ball to first or tag the runner and I have to take a step back and remember that he is just now really learning the rules of the game. This is, by far, the hardest time I have had standing back and letting him figure things out.
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