Summer Soccer

This week, Trip had soccer camp. This is his second summer to participate and he was so excited to go back again...until the day it started. On Monday, the first day of camp, I experienced one of my more embarrassing scenes with him. He was all pumped and excited to go to camp that morning. But, once we pulled up to the fields, he started in on his usual reasons why he doesn't want to go anymore. This is pretty typical for Trip, as he is pretty timid in new or unfamiliar situations. But, we talked about it and I thought worked through it. I was wrong. When it came time to huddle up with his other camp-goers, he flipped out. He started screaming and crying and saying he didn't want to do it. Part of the reason for this outburst, I'm sure had to do with the fact that the little campers were called to warm up with the older campers (up to 12 years old). I don't understand why they do this, but it happens on the first day and then never again. So, I made him stand with the group and just cry about it. Then, it came time to separate with the other 3 and 4 year olds, including 2 friends that he knew. I figured this would end the crying and we would move on and have fun...WRONG again! He continued his crying, so much so, that I gathered our things and told him we were going home. He did not like this at all, so the crying got louder and more out of control. By this point, I am totally embarrassed and at a loss for what to do. So, I tell him we can stay, but the crying must stop. This worked...for about 5 minutes and then it happened all over again, but this time he said he wanted to go home. Now, I am totally embarrassed and angry that we paid for this and now he won't stay and I have no idea why. So, we start heading up the stairs to the car for the second time, and once again, he changes his mind. I offer one last time to let him try and stay, and finally he agreed and the crying stopped. WOW! It was a rough start, but after 5 minutes of playing he was laughing and having a great time. The rest of camp, he pretty much looked like he does in the pictures above. He managed to have a wonderful time. His coach was great; very creative with the games he played with the kids and he had lots of patience. After that first day, I explained to Trip that camp was supposed to be fun and if he wasn't having fun, then we weren't going to do it. I made a deal that if he kept a good attitude, had a fun time and didn't cry or say he wanted to leave the rest of the week, we'd go get ice cream on the last day after camp. Trip, Mady and I all enjoyed our ice cream today! Yummy! Today, the last day of soccer camp, the parents were asked to participate, which for me meant that Mady participated too. It was so fun to play with both of them and I could tell Trip really enjoyed having us out there with him. One of the hardest things for me as a mother is relating to Trip's insecurities. This difference in our personality tests me daily, because I know how much fun he would have if he would just be willing to try. But, once he opens up and gives it a try, it is such a joy to see the smile on his face and the pride he feels for sticking it out. His coach said today that Trip is such a trooper. I agree; I think we both are.