INSPIRED — MAKING CONNECTIONS

Heart is racing, mind is ready, its time to… GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT. Eyes, energy and soul determined to do your best.

Children’s sports and the adrenaline that runs through them and us as parents is something to watch. I am inspired by so many children and their WILL to give it their all, they want to do their best and play their hearts out.

It is amazing how sports help children, in so many ways, being part of a team is so very special and important. You make friends that become more than just friends, you are warriors together, you share a common goal, you are taught to respect each other, to protect each other and to respect the sport/club, your coach and its rules. It is inspiring to see children and coaches dedicate their time and give it their all out on the court, on a field and in their practices. My boys play sports and I have to say that in their experience in regards to the discipline and empowerment they are getting from the sport, their team and the coaches have been wonderful for them in many ways. They are having fun and they are also learning that in life, every step forward is an opportunity to do your best. We have to practice to play hard and WIN, they experience loss, wanting to be better, POSITIVE ATTITUDE is a priority in order to OVERCOME the negative as it is the only way forward.

I was recently at the ESPN World of Sports Soccer Tournament in Disney for the weekend and I was so inspired with these very young children starting at 8 years old and playing competitive soccer. It was a beautiful site to see, children coming together from all over the country and from abroad to play a game they love. Parents that are also determined to give their children all they have. The commitment and dedication you give your child is also demanding, to make sure they are ready mentally and physically, the dedication it takes to play for a travel team and the money is just a short list of things we as parents provide in order to help our children get the training they need to move forward.

When my boys where small it seemed liked they played it all, we kept them very busy, there were in activities they liked, activities they decided not to like and eventually they found their passion and are now dedicated to one sport. Parents, sports, clubs and activities are so important for children. I know we are all busy and it is a big commitment, but it helps them in so many ways. It helps them socially and gives them a different type of discipline they need. I do believe in the saying, “It takes a village to raise your children.” For parents, it is also good outlet because we get to meet other parents and also get a break while we wait for them while they practice. They learn like they do in school, practice makes perfect and they need to work on themselves so they can be GREAT. Sports help children focus on their mental power to do great because they are truly capable of it. In their adult life, they will need to focus on the same things.

If your child does not seem to want to play anything, try having them list out a few things that they like, help them figure out what they can try. Not every child is a lover of sports like soccer, softball, baseball, basketball, volleyball etc.… but there are so many things you can have them look into; Painting Classes, Chess Club, Lego/Robotics club, Drama Club, Martial Arts, Tennis, Swim Team, Horseback Riding, there are a number of things that a child can focus on and be part of a team.

If you have any questions or need help in finding a program for your child, please feel free to reach me at socialmomsanddads@gmail.com.