My husband and I have unlocked a new level of parenting: Youth sports. My 4-year-old just wrapped up his first season of soccer.
With a late August birthday, he barely made the league’s cut-off and was the youngest on his team. He played against kids almost two years older than him. He barely touched the ball all season.
But he loved it.
He woke up every Saturday morning ready to put on his uniform. He was the first to volunteer to play and never wanted to be substituted out. He cheered on his teammates and enthusiastically high-fived his opponents. And he only got distracted by his shadow a handful of times.
He might not have scored a goal this season, but I’m proud of him. And he’s proud of himself, too.
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Darian Benson is a mom of two toddler boys who have endless energy. You can reach her at darian.benson@mirrorindy.org.
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