Field Day!!

Yesterday was Aiden's first field day. He wasn't sure what to expect, but I just knew that he would l o v e it. He's very athletic. He even nicknamed himself "Flash" a couple of years ago.

        

I remember field day. Actually I only remember one field day. I don't remember what grade I was in, but I know I was in elementary school. It makes me wonder, why do I only remember that one? The only distinctive event that happened that day was that my P.E. teacher told me I ran/walked a 13 minute mile, which is NOT good. I didn't know that then. I thought I was the BOMB! Yeah, I just used the word BOMB, whatcha gonna do about it?

Being that I only remember one field day, I do know that Aiden's field day was not like mine at all. On my field day, everyone had a tag with the activities listed on them and spaces for your times and scores. Aiden's grade,,, not a single tag. They were all grouped in with their class and with each activity each child took a turn for the exercise, but it was the class time that mattered. Field day for me was more of an individual sports day.

It was so much fun watching the kids try their hardest. You could see their personalities shine through, and they were just so precious. As Aiden starts each competition, at first I get really excited, and then nervous hoping he doesn't trip, or something crazy like that. As soon as the whistle blows he darts off, and I start yelling, "Go Aiden!!!" My eyes start to well up with tears. I have no idea why they do this, I mean he's just running. I'm weird like that.

After I leave the school and head home with a fussy/tired baby girl, I start comparing the field days in my head. I wonder why it's so different from the one that I remembered. The only idea that I can come up with is that maybe just maybe the school doesn't want any discouragement. Since there was no individual exercises, there's no winner and more importantly, no loser. Loser is just not a good word, period. There is nothing wrong with losing. Kids today NEED to know that. Losing a game or not being as good in a subject does not make them less. Why is it that kids and the kid's parents are so sensitive to this. Of course 

I want Aiden to be great at everything, but being great at everything does not build character. Being great at everything does not make you grow. Making mistakes and not being the best helps our mind adapt to be better. I make sure that I tell Aiden that it's ok if you don't win, just try your best. Life is not a perfect place where we as parents can cushion our children's egos all the time. Believe it or not we are actually doing our kids harm if we shelter them like that. God teaches us to be humble, do not boast, and encourage others. If kids won everything, it would be a lot harder to learn those characteristics. I guess my main point is...balance is key. Too much of anything is no bueno. I don't care who ya are...

Ok, I'm stepping off of my soapbox now...