I admit that my parenting ideals and philosophies have changed quite significantly to fit into the reality of "living life" throughout the last six (almost seven!!!) years that I have been at this. I once thought that my children would never be exposed to television, never indulge in sweets containing refined sugar, never play with gender biased toys, never, never, never. I like to say that I reconsidered these ideals and decided that balance was more realistic than forbidding them altogether, but in actuality it was far less philosophical and grew more out of necessity. Yes, there are times when Greta watches PBS while I shower, and if a cookie is the bribery that gets me from one end of the grocery store to the other than I concede. My kids gobble broccoli and swiss chard, and during our recent move we were without television and it was a week before Greta even noticed, so I embrace balance rather than rigidity.
When Greta came home from school with a notice announcing fall soccer registration and showed enthusiasm to try it out, I had apprehension. Long days at school with lines and rules and schedules to follow strictly have been balanced by our lazy afternoon walks and dinner making dance parties. It's a slippery slope, and I worried that soccer was our gateway drug to other extracurricular activities, and that I would become a shuttle service from one to the next keeping track of piano lessons and tap dance and losing touch with the importance of slow cooked meals and down time for my kids. But Greta was excited, and Adam had fond memories of playing soccer as a child with his father as his coach, so she was registered for fall soccer league at the Rockland Rec Center. Her first practice was last weekend and was filled with the kind of chaos that too many kids and too few coaches results. Greta had a great time and I was reminded once again of the importance of balance in life. Her one night a week commitment will hardly impede our homemade dinners, and in the meantime she's meeting new people and participating in her first team sport. On a side note, seeing the lack of coaching staff, Adam offered to coach Greta's team which delighted her and me! With a husband coach, and a daughter on the team, my initial apprehension is quickly evolving into proud soccer Mom!!
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