{Raising Girls}: The Season That Almost Didn't Happen

For months Hannah talked about playing soccer, so I signed her up to play for GSA this Spring. Dan even volunteered to be the assistant coach for her team, 'The Cars'. She literally asked me almost everyday when it was time to play soccer. Finally it came time for her first game...meltdown city. She absolutely refused to play because it was cold and people were 'watching her'. And when I mean refused, I mean she was kicking and screaming so much I had to take her to the car until she calmed down and could return to the sidelines. The only reason she finally agreed to stand next to Dan on the field (crying the whole time) was to get the snack at the end. I was afraid that was going to happen.

I was trying to figure out how to get her to play and then, driving home from school one day, I got the brilliant idea to bribe her...with a trophy. She seemed excited, so I told her if she played the rest of her games I would have one made for her. Slam dunk. But, at the next game, we had another meltdown...even worse than the first. I had to carry her to the car...parked very far away, kicking and screaming the entire way. I almost dropped her several times and had the entire city of Gahanna looking at me, wondering what in the world was wrong with my child. Alyssa was walking behind me crying because she 'was scared' so I am sure by-standards thought I am an abusive parent. Not exactly my favorite parenting experience thus far.

I was sick of fighting with her so we said soccer was done...no more chances to play. After a few weeks of skipping practice and the games, the weather was beautiful so I suggested we try it again. She said she wanted to play, so we showed up with no expectations. I don't know what got into her, but she willingly played. And, not only did she play, but she had a blast!! And the following week she did the same thing...and she scored a goal (assisted by daddy). The goal may be one of my favorite parenting moments...when she scored it she turned towards me and ran so hard into my arms and I twirled her around and gave her lots of kisses. She was beaming and SOOOOO proud! Truly a moment I will remember forever!! She was hooked. She finished the rest of the season strong by scoring another goal and playing seriously hard. She was the only player on her team to go after the ball and she started to learn how to defend the ball and steal it from the other team. She has some real skill locked up inside her. Alyssa had so much fun cheering her and her team on; and, Dan and I were so proud!! Now that we are over the fear, I think we have many more soccer seasons in our future.

Based on these pictures you would never guess this season almost didn't even happen! Here she is in the middle of the action!

Getting a little individual coaching...from a handsome coach.

She is a seriously quick little runner.

A little half time pep-talk.

Hey, Han...if you would let me pull your hair back it wouldn't be in your face...

Beautiful soccer star!

I love that sweet little uniform :)

On her way to scoring a goal!!

The other two kids on Hannah's team were a little UN-involved. Once she got past her fear, she really was on fire. She is going to be quite the little soccer player!!