Sports teams...

[kemclaughlin]

So I am not naturally super athletic, but I always liked playing sports.  I started playing softball when I was six and played every year until I was a freshman in high school.  Totally combined, I had played nine seasons.  By this time my sister who was three years younger then me was a thousand times better than me.  She was a phenomenal athlete and went to college on a scholarship.  I totally loved watching her play.  Her natural abilities have always amazed me. 

Starting in fifth grade I was a cheerleader on and off.  I cheered my sophmore year in JV.  Then I injured myself and missed tryouts so I missed Junior year and cheered my Senior year.  I was not a big fan of the other cheerleaders, but I really loved it. 

I think sports and teams are a very important part of growing up.  They keep kids active and teach teamwork and cooperation skills.  You learn how to deal with winning and losing.  You learn how to deal with people who are jerks and you feel incredible every time you stand up and people cheer for you.  It gets kids active and outside.  It keeps them out of trouble.  (Most of the time) 

My son seems to have my sisters natural athletic abilites.  He is amazing to watch.  Like my sister he is good at everything he tries.  I will do as my parents did and encourage my kids to try everything and stick with the thing they like the most.  Like my parents, I won't let my kids quit, because teaching commitment and focus is important.  They learn these things best when they feel obligated to others.