soccer surreal

I am not liking this soccer mom bit.

It is just not for me. I have many, many beloved friends who have heart and soul poured into a variety of sports; and I support them and cheer them on in every way imaginable. THEM. Not US. I can't wrap my emotions around it, no matter how hard I try.

As a parent, I get that you would love to see your child's team win and the content look on said child's face - that glorious sense of accomplishment, but I am appalled at what the competitiveness has done to today's youth.

This current crop of children are being raised with so much stimulation: video games, internet, & oh gosh, don't forget cell phones! I'm not saying that I don't support technological advances - (I think it is pretty apparent I use them all), but within reason our children have grown to believe they NEED all things ADULT way too early.

As I watch Brandan play soccer with his team each week, I can't help think there isn't much fun in it. Don't get me wrong. I love the serious & determined faces on the kids who have the drive to go after the ball.

It is when I see kids, like Brandan, who are curious, want to try out, and want to strive for something new - that I get discombobulated. Our competitive nature has determined that only the fittest will carry the team. So, I am left with the overwhelming feeling that two-thirds of our "non-fit" (as in not so good fit) kids must battle to find and develop something that makes them fit.

When Brandan sits on the side lines, which is most of the time - because he is new to the sport, I often wonder what he is thinking about. Why doesn't the coach put me in? Why are certain boys driven? Why do parents scream so loudly at their kids? Is this something I love doing? Is this for me?
I am proud that both Aly and Brandan are in search of that "something" with grand aspirations, but in all seriousness - when did this become so important so early on? I was a Senior in high school when I made the decision to study education; to become a teacher. Never in my mind did I try to figure out my route before I hit double digits.

As I sit side lined, watching the team head towards the goal, I hear the voices of the parents. I wish this was a feel good line, where I say that the voices are full of praise and educated words that build strong character, but so many times it is the wrong kind of encouragement that stings in the end. It is not all negative, but I just wish there was another kind of philosophy to meet the needs of these growing kids. We all have good intentions. We want the best for our kids. We know that citizenship is key...

...I only wish it were more integral and not so difficult to swallow.