What Snow? It's only October!

October 29, 2011: Week Seven: What Snow? It’s only October!  

I sensed that I would receive the phone call this morning. And the message was: “Just wanted to let you know that all soccer games have been canceled due to the weather. See you next week”. After all, it was snowing! I cannot recall a time when October snow tumbled across the lawn to unite with the layers of falling leaves. How could it snow two days prior to Halloween? Freddy was so excited for two reasons: the obvious–it was snowing and well, no soccer.

Bare and undressed

There was enough snowfall to construct a snowman. Should I dare garnish the snowman with a Halloween costume and place a pumpkin on it, assorted with candy? This should present an interesting trick–or–treat venture.

Freddy will dress as a police officer. His preferred pieces of the costume are the night stick and the handcuffs; naturally. Although these are kid–friendly costume ornaments crafted of flimsy plastic, he is not permitted to include them in his Halloween parade. Parents were advised against sending their children to school with “weapons” as this would pose a danger to other students. Seriously? It is imaginary play.

Halloween Parade at school

I presumed that Freddy would be joyfully enthused and passionate about dashing out to trick–or–treat. His initial momentum was strong and convincing. One short hour later, he was calling it quits. My baby was not feeling well and was developing a stubborn cough. A few days later we learned that he contracted a double ear infection and I was falling victim to bronchitis.

Not now Mom, I'm busy doing police work

Mr. Policeman did receive a considerable amount of candy since our travel covered a mere three block radius. His little green pumpkin overflowed with a variety of goodies. As we stopped for a short break, he seized his walkie talkie and when he finished speaking into it, he uttered: “Mom, I was talking to other policemen on my walkie talkie to see where they are trick–or–treating”. You just have to love moments like this, they are so precious. My heart was warm and fuzzy and I strained myself not to laugh. The manner in which he said this was adorable.

I sense that Freddy experienced more pleasure dishing out candy to fellow trick–or–treaters rather than receiving sweets of his own. Our bare snowman did not survive the night. He began to thaw and collapse before we could complete his look. Halloween goers took notice to our fallen snow creature and were amused. Snow and Halloween do not blend well, this combination is just bizarre.

What happened to soaring into a vast heap of bright pomegranate–colored leaves? And the crisp breathable air of autumn?

This early snow storm may be an intication of the harsh winter that is preparing to invade our space. Are you ready?

  

Don't forget the snacks!

October 22, 2011: Week Six: Don’t forget the snacks!

google images/examiner.com

Each week a parent is assigned to distribute snacks and drinks to the team players so that the little ones can refuel after the game. Guess whose turn it is this week? I wish this league had a snack stand similar to the one at my nieces’ soccer games. Bagels, burgers, hot dogs, coffee, hot chocolate, you name it; they have it. Apparently, their league is a tad bit more sophisticated than ours.

I hope I do not get short–term amnesia and forget the snacks. I must write myself a reminder on post-it notes and place them all over the house. A riot of disorderly four year olds may ensue if there is a shortage of treats. 

google images/ehow.com

It's an eventful week here at the soccer club. In addition to the snack list, each parent must also participate in selling raffles to benefit their child’s team. Did I mention that our team name is the “Scorpions”? Hint, hint, would you like to buy a raffle? We have the privilege of wearing Freddy’s favorite color: green. And yet this does not influence him to play whatsoever.

Soccer apparel is being sold as well. Pressure is placed on parents to buy at least one item. So a blue t–shirt it is. Did I mention that this is not all fun and games?

Freddy continues to expose his reluctance to participate. Even with nudging from his coaches and their promises to escort him each step of the way to score a goal, he kicks up his heels in refusal. His feisty little attitude could knock you over. Anyone who has been around a four year old long enough knows exactly what I am speaking of.

I recognize that Freddy has absolutely zero desire to play soccer for whatever reason, it is not his forte. And that is fine with me but I have to fulfill my commitment to bring snacks, sell raffles, and buy t–shirts, so that is where my focus is positioned this week.

It can become stressful at times; the running around, and the participation required of a parent.  Sometimes I look forward to the end of the weekend and the busyness of it all. As Monday rolls around and school is back in session, it seems much more tranquil, believe it or not.

Our involvement with this soccer league is a good release. Although demanding, it facilitates the identification with other parents and the ability to connect with them. Many of our children attend preschool together and are in the same class.

I am recalling a conversation I engaged in with my dad in Week One where he stressed the point of not forcing Freddy to play. “Let him develop at his own pace”. This phrase stings my ears and echoes through my mind roaming around endlessly trying to find a permanent home in my brain.  

As I worked my way through a stressful weekend, I did not forget the snacks, raffles, or apparel.

google images/co-bw.com



Way to go mom!



One Week at a Time.

October 15, 2011: Week Five: One week at a time.

Keeping in mind the concerns and questions that emerged last week, I asked Freddy if he wanted to attend soccer this time before dressing him. I sought to present him with the option and not limit his opinion. He responded by crying: “No, no! I don’t want to go to soccer! I want to stay home!” His regularly scheduled tantrum was as if he was in utter agony from some type of torture I was afflicting upon him.

http://www.empoweringparents.com/Stopping-a-temper-tantrum.php#

I decided that it may be favorable to sit this one out at home. We recently returned from a trip to Florida and are still in recuperation mode. However, I explained to my son that although we were not venturing out today, we will attend next week. When I least expected it, that gleam in his eye flashed itself and sparkled in the reflection of my vision upon him. That spark lit up his face with joy when I agreed to stay home and play.

Wow! His discontentment for soccer seems worse than I had imagined. I initially registered him in the league since he enjoys running. My thoughts were that this would be a valuable and safe opportunity for him to fulfill that enjoyment. Soccer is a reasonable sport for beginners his age.

It is not my goal for him to assume that it is acceptable to end his involvement in soccer prematurely. I expect him to put in the effort next week and continue even if it is on the sideline “watching and learning”.

My plan is to manage this one week at a time. If this displeases him to the point of boredom and dissatisfaction, then we will discontinue and bring this to a close. I am concerned that resigning before the season ends may be teaching Freddy that it is appropriate to surrender, that starting something and not following it through is satisfactory. He is just four years young and on the other hand, at this particular stage, he may not perceive that this is quitting, he may see this as soccer is over, and nothing more.

As far as possibilities of other developmental delays existing and thoughts that haunt me, as of now, there is no additional evidence that suggests this to be the case. It seems to be isolated to speech.

Freddy and I enjoyed playing at home, I engaged in imaginative play with him and he was ecstatic. He has a love for building and constructing things, tools, and the like. He is mechanically inclined and has the innate gift of working with his hands.

If I could only find local classes that would emphasize that talent!

 

He would rather do this than play soccer

 

Freddy loves to paint