Basketball

One of my core beliefs as a mother is that kids need time to be kids. They need unstructured time to imagine, create & find joy in being in their own home with their siblings & parents. Because of this I am not quick to sign my kiddos up for every activity that comes along. And when I do sign my kiddos up for an activity I very seriously weigh the consequences of how that one child's activity will impact the entire family.

 

So when a friend asked if Sarah was going to play basketball I thought to myself . . . .hmmm . . . .I will have to think about that. The basketball league here is my kind of speed when it comes to sports. It is once a week, just Saturday's, for about 8 weeks. Sarah was not too interested until I mentioned that her best friend, Jane, was going to play & that Jane's dad was going to coach. Then when I mentioned that maybe Daddy could help coach, she was all for it!

 

She had no idea what she was in for, she had barely ever picked up a basketball to that point let alone, dribble or shoot the ball. Thankfully Paul was able to spend some one on one time in the backyard with Sarah to teach her the basics. And thankfully he agreed to help coach, since I volunteered his services without checking with him first.

Despite her novice beginnings Sarah did just as good as most of the kids out there.  Her motivation came from dear old dad & the promise of a treat on the way home from the game if she made 3 baskets.

Despite being with her best friend or the promise of a treat, I think her favorite part of playing basketball was the time she got to spend with her Dad practicing in the backyard and him being her coach. It did wonders for her confidence and ability to try new things.