I am struggling with a new stage as a mom. My 10 year old wants to play every sport, but he's really not so good. This is not a problem for me in and of itself, if he wants to play I could care less if he's the star or just warming the bench-- as long as HE could care less... unfortunately that is not the case. He cares. He frequently leaves the field in tears or searing with frustration. He can't find the words. He doesn't understand. He WANTS to be good, but he has my gawky, awkward-at-sports genes, and a little stubbornness too (though I don't know where he gets that!). He wants to be instantly good, he wants it to come naturally, and I know all to well that it won't. He is the kind of kid that has to work-- hard, if he wants to be successful at sports. That would be fine, but the anger and frustration seems hurtful. It makes me anxious, and nothing I say seems to help.
The struggle is how to handle it? Just today he asked me if he can try out for baseball next week. Basketball is just ending today. I want to say, "NO. Let's leave competitive sports alone for a while!" But I don't want to discourage him. I'm stuck between a ball and a hard place.
If only there were a play book for this parenting game!
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