My two older kids have been playing soccer twice a week now. It’s nothing serious, mainly running around and getting some exercise. I would say it’s closer to recess than actual soccer, but at least my daughter’s class “scrimmages” towards the end of every class. I think sports help my kids realize what it’s like to win and lose. It’s also important for them to understand that if they want to get better at something, they’re going to need to practice a lot. Without hard work, it won’t actually improve.

There were a few times where they were not trying very hard in class and goofing off. It happened much more frequently when they started playing soccer, but it doesn’t happen as often anymore after a few pep talks. It’s really wholesome to see my kids improve slowly and grow their love for a sport. I don’t think my kids will play soccer very long-term (at least my daughter won’t because she probably will hyper focus on dance!), but it’s good exposure nonetheless.

What I enjoy most is seeing the persistence continue to grow when they are facing challenges in class. I remember one particular scrimmage, my daughter kept getting pushed down by boys that were playing rougher. She ran over to me and started crying and did not want to get back in the scrimmage. I taught her what an arm was and keep her arms out and firm so that the boys couldn’t get close to her body and push her down. She gave me a book and a small smile and ran back into the scrimmage and was holding her arm bar the rest of the game. I think those small moments in their lives continue to build up and I want that persistence they gained from overcoming these challenges while playing soccer to stick with them when they are facing new challenges in something else they are involved in. It’s all of these small moments that matter in my opinion and they’ll eventually add up to make them tough and resilient (at least that’s my hope!).