Sochi Olympics and t-ball sign-ups

So the 2014 Olympics are going on right now in Sochi, Russia which makes me think of my children and how the probability of them ever becoming "Olympians", can begin right here, right now-if it hasn't already started.  By the words of encouragement they hear from David and I and others around them and our actions - can truly determine how self-disciplined they will become, and what activities they will feel motivated, encouraged and confident to attempt, try for, fall-down and try-again and again.  There's a popular Proctor & Gamble commercial that is all over social media and television right now which portrays 3 winter Olympians and their quests towards becoming who they are as athletes from childhood to their current Olympian status.  It is actually a tear-jerker as you see all three athletes as toddlers, practicing their tumbles, jumps and spins to becoming school-aged children - practicing their moves and sport in the snow and ice.  The commercial portrays them falling, crying and being comforted by their mothers then proceeding to try again.  Their mothers are with them every step of the way, helping them to get back up after each fall, cheering from the stands and embracing both their victories and defeats.  The last clip in the commercial, shows the 3 athletes who have stuck with their game, never giving up and as a result, are Olympians - pursuing their dream and winning gold medals with their mothers by their side. Truly, a lovely commercial it is, especially since P&G gives a shout-out to all moms for the endless support they provide to their children - always encouraging them to "try again". 

A few days ago, my son brought home a T-ball club application form.  Last year, he was just barely able to sign-up (as a 4-year old) however, David and I already had him in tae-kwon-do at the time which had practices 3X's a week.  I was also pregnant and would have been in my third trimester during the season so, we decided against putting him in the t-ball as it would have also had schedule conflicts with taekwondo.  To be honest, we knew that the time commitment for both activities would get tiresome and were also not ready to make the sacrifice.   We did ask Josiah if he wanted to play and he didn't seem to care much which also helped in our decision making.  This year however, I feel compelled to start him in the team sport - Afterall, he does have those Dominican genes which tend to be good for baseball!!!  


I imagine that most all of the great American and non-American  athletes - All started out in their sport as young children- toddlers even.  What if I don't sign Josiah up for T-Ball this season, and he misses a year that could be crucial to his development as a team player, athlete and little slugger?! What if we decide to wait another year and then he will be 6-years old, playing on a team with 4-year old's who can hit a ball with more precision then him causing him to feel embarrassed or cause hurt in some way.  I may be over-thinking the effects of whether to put him in T-ball or not - but in parenting, no decision is ever too small, especially because every decision we make - has the power to change the course of our children's lives - forever.  



Would we be  "bad or selfish" parents for not signing him up this year? I would argue not. I mean,  with two other (younger) children to care for, requiring more of our attention - we could definitely justify that it would absolutely be okay to forego t-ball this year.  We don't have to be the parents who put their children in 5 activities a year (though I admittedly think the idea of doing so is pretty awesome).   Even if we didn't have other children and decided to spend those designated "t-ball practice" times to do a family activity - it would be okay. Perhaps, one-on-one time with dad and backyard play would be fine for our kids and probably a lot more helpful and fun for all involved? Maybe when our children can start whacking tossed balls out of the yard consistently, when they consistently catch and throw effectively, maybe then they are ready for an organized sporting team and league? Now that I think of it, that sounds like pretty good rationale too.

Whatever we decide for this spring, I know that Josiah will survive.  We all will carry on with our lives and be just fine - but as a mom, I would sure love and can't wait to take a picture of Josiah in a t-ball outfit and cheer in the stands for him - WIN or LOSE.