Start ‘Em Early

Yesterday Cole and I started a Mommy and Me sport tot class at a local YMCA. He is the only one of my 3 kids who has shown any true interest in playing sports. He started saying “baseball” before he mastered his brothers’ names!

He needs exposure to kids his own age, especially because he thinks he’s 8. I figured this half hour class would be worth it. Sports + 2 y.o.’s = fun…right?

So we got to the class and prepared for our half hour of sporty fun. During the stretches, which were hilarious, I looked around the group. What a hodge podge: 7 boys and 1 girl, 2 dads, 3 moms, 1 grandma, and 1 grandpa. Of course, the 2 dads in the group were seeing visions of super athletes dance in their heads.

The instructor decided to start with soccer. Most of the children, being 2 and all, were not so interested in kicking, but rather rolling on the floor. A few got the idea, but were quick to change gears. Cole liked laying on the ball. Must have been comfy. I was able to get him to kick the ball by holding his hands, but then he would pick it up and throw it. Whatever…he’s 2.

The one dad was already lamenting that his kid wasn’t FIFA material. He yelled at his 2.5 year old because he “wasn’t trying hard enough”. The dad threatened leaving, no snack, and suspension of driving privileges in 14 years. ( I may be exaggerating a bit…but I am sure the poor kid felt that way.) The skirmish ended with both dad and son pouting on the sideline. C’mon, really?! It’s a half hour class at the Y. Some people take things waaayyyy too seriously. Not everyone is the next David Beckham!

Having a kid with needs puts so much in perspective. I don’t need a star althlete. I am proud that my kid can understand the directions and keeps up appropriately….Cole had fun. He loved running around, playing with kids his age, and fun time with Mommy. We’ll be back for more…and I will probably have more stories to share.