Expectations

Kate posted on Facebook yesterday that she was nervous about club volleyball tryouts and it made me pause. As a parent I am often guilty of having monstrous expectations when it comes to her participation in sports. As someone who spends a pretty fair amount of time watching the Mariners and the Rams and the Olympics, I see athletes perform at incredible levels every day...so much so that it looks almost 'easy.' And I'm sure that carries over to my expectations when I watch Kate play soccer or volleyball. It looks easy for the pro's so it should be easy for her. And that is a poor way to think. It's NOT easy, and to put ANY kind of enhanced pressure on her is wrong. I forget that she is a 14 year old girl just beginning to find her way...so dads pledge to her is to simply lay off. I will encourage and cheer and suffer along with her, but the goal now is to have fun and test the waters. If this truly becomes a passion that will be great, and if it doesn't, that will be great too. So be nervous, but be confident and have a good time!