Soccer Pre-Season & Day 1

Cleat-clad, Shane and I played some soccer Sunday. 

I wanted to give him a little practice before our class together. We signed up for a week-long "Parent & Me" He wanted to wear cleats and kick stuff. Everybody was happy.

I sucked at it. He's a natural. The shoes are a little too big. 

And then class was rained out. If Shane didn't like umbrellas it would have been a real tragedy.

We got a soccer ball for showing up. Class or not, we ran all over. The other parents had the same idea. 

It went well until one fateful moment. Shane said, "Daddy, if I kick it there I win," so I blocked him.

Shane didn't want to play after that.

The stink didn't want to listen to me afterwards either. I wanted to coach him past the setback and to focus on the fun. Instead, he repeatedly charged off, furled his brow, and shouted, "I don't want to play! I want to go home!"

Yet, this is what I got when I gave him what he wanted.

Be careful what you wish for.... Say what you mean and mean what you say.....

Though the real reason he was upset was I got to three before he obeyed. I use 1-2-3 Magic. If he ignores a command, I count. If I reach 3, bad things happen. Bad things as in no TV for the night. 

Normally Shane listens on one. If he's in a stinkpot mood he'll listen on two. I don't continue counting if he makes an effort towards complying. This is the second or third time he's decided to let me reach three. 

Shane cried five minutes straight. It was self-inflicted, so I ignored it. If you think I'm heartless, guess what happened next.

Offhand, I said, "That'll make you hoarse." The crying stopped. No need for a raised voice.  

Not an auspicious start. More rain is predicted tomorrow, but practice was moved indoors. I am looking forward to seeing Shane at an actual practice! I think he'll have fun and it will be good for him too!