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I saw an article on Friday that made my brain started spinning at lightning speed. It later came out that it was a satirical piece, but it really got me to thinking.
The basis of the satire piece was that an Ontario soccer league, swa trying to make sure every child “wins” by actually taking the ball out of soccer games. Check out the article here.
So these kids are “winning” by never having to face the disappointment of losing with grace. By never having to learn one of life’s most important lessons:
It doesn’t matter that we fall down, it matters that we get up.
A missed goal or strike out doesn’t have to be the end of the world in little kids’ sports. And it doesn’t mean that the child is inherently bad at whatever game they’re playing. It means that they’re going to need to practice if they want to get better. By looking at our weaknesses in comparison to others, we can sometimes see what we’re striving for and it pushes us to be persistent and work harder for the goal.
The soccer association spokesperson said: “We want our children to grow up learning that sport is not about competition, rather it’s about using your imagination. If you imagine you’re good at soccer, then, you are.”
I have two points of contention with this statement. The first being that sports are not about imagination. Sports have rules that teach children to keep their actions within the parameters of the game. That’s one of the reasons why they’re so great to involve children in if they’re interested…you have to follow rules.
Secondly… if you imagine you’re good at something, then, bam! That’s it! You are. So right now, I’m imagining that I’m good at basketball, but that doesn’t mean that I’m ready to join the NWBA. It’s not true. It’s a way of thinking that is not only a lie, but a delusion of grandeur that’s deceiving and a disservice to the child. We’re entering into an age where many kid’s self-esteems are being inflated beyond realistic proportions. Don’t get me wrong. It’s great for kids to think that they can do anything. But when they’re made to believe that they are good at everything by the adults they trust, they’re being set up for hurt and disappointment. {Think those people on American Idol who are tone-deaf, but their parents allow them to embarrass themselves on national television}.
Character is built with humility. Everyone has weaknesses, skills that aren’t are great as others. By teaching our kids to be realistic and humble about their skills, whether they be weak or strong, they’re learning how to carry themselves as adults. No one likes the person in the office that thinks they can do your job better than you. So why create that misconception and harmful thinking so early in life?
How many times we, as adults, are disappointed throughout the week. How many times things just don’t go our way. you can’t always win. It’s a life truth. That doesn’t mean telling little Johnny that he sucks at soccer. It just means letting them try and praising their effort, and then helping them to handle their disappointment if the outcome isn’t one they liked or expected.
It’s the real world, baby. Let’s help our kids be comfortable with and love who they honestly are.
And that ladies and gentleman… is my two cents.
