she tried.

this fall is camryn's second go round of playing soccer.  she played as a newly turned three year old and let's just say it was an interesting experience.  more hollaring at her sister on the sidelines and occasionaly she'd be in the same vicinity of the ball

this time, i was hoping things would be a bit different.

although she obviously is older, having just turned 4.5, this go round she's timid when it comes to taking the ball away from people.  or being agressive and running to where the action is.  she's the one that's concerned when someone from the other team falls.  and that's totally okay.  but she didn't really seem to be enjoying herself.

two games into the season, we asked her several times if she still wanted to play and she always answered yes.  so we took the time to make it a teachable moment.  it's doesn't matter if you win or lose, but just try.  try to be where the ball is.  try to just kick the ball once in the game.  

she did and then some.  she showed some of the spunk i know all too well.  on the very first play of the next game she not only kicked the ball, she dribbled down the field and scored a goal.  i was one proud mama.  i may have yelled a bit too loudly.

the best part? on the walk back to the car afterwards she shrieked, "i had fun!"  and that's all it took. just the motivation to put forth the effort and try.

Get a Kleenex custom oval BOGO until 11/15/12, just use the code PLAYOFFS at checkout on the MyKleenex site. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.