So, I keep bringing up ideas to K about getting into some kind of extracurricular activity.
Our conversation goes like this...
Me: "K, would you like to play t-ball?"
K: "No."
Me: "How about soccer?"
K: "No."
Me: "Maybe you should try a dance class."
K: "No."
Me: "Gymnastics would be fun."
K: "No."
Me: "You like music. How about learning to play the piano?"
K: "No."
Me: "Well, if you could try anything, what would it be?"
K: "Nothing."
I seriously just want to enroll her in something.
But I'd prefer if she decided which one.
I know she is only 4 years old, so I'm not in a rush right now.
I just don't want her to be like me.
I want her to know that failing is OK.
My mother made me feel like you had to be perfect at everything.
Who can be perfect at everything?
So, when I didn't excel in something, I would quit.
I regret not trying a lot of things growing up.
I loved softball, but did I ever try out for my high school team?
No.
Did I keep running cross county, even though I was pretty good at it?
No.
Because I wasn't the best.
As an adult, I can look back and see the mistakes I made.
And I don't want K to end up the same way.
I'd love for her just to try.
That's all I ask for.
I think it is SO great that you are teaching her to "just try it." I'm with you... eventually I was afraid of doing things because I was afraid that I wasn't going to be perfect. Looking back now, though, I wish I had been more involved in SOMETHING. I think it's great that you're going to teach her it's about giving things a shot NOT being perfect :)
ReplyDeleteThank you. I think that is all any parent wants to see their child do. I could care less if she was the worst at everything she tried, as long as she tried and had fun. But, I know that's probably not what the child is looking for. They want to be the best. They want to win. It's such a tough position to be in as a parent. I don't want to push her too much, as that would probably make it worst. I just hope as she grows older, she feels more confident, and doesn't care if she is the best, but just that she has fun.
DeleteAW. I was such a timid, shy child, but I eventually became interested in extra curriculars and it was great. Hopefully she'll come around soon :)
ReplyDeleteShe is definitely timid, that's for sure. This past year I've seen so much improvement in her though. She no longer hides behind me when someone she isn't too familiar with says "Hi". And I'm so proud of her for that. I was the same way, always shy, and not able to voice my opinion. I just don't want her to learn as late as I did. I hope she keeps some of her shyness, as I think it is so sweet, but I don't want her to shut people and things out just because she is scared.
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