Soccer update

Thomas continues to get better and better at soccer.  He happily ran onto the field for practice this week and had a great time.  He even ran with the kids for scrimage, although he wanted to be nowhere near the ball.  At least he was on the same side of the field :)  His confidence is growing and it makes us even more confident that having him try soccer was a good decision.

His 2nd game went pretty well.  He is atleast running to stay on the same side of the field as the other kids.  I just met a mom from another team who's child is still refusing to go on the field to play, so we are not the only one with a child who is nervous about playing.  I don't think Thomas has touched the ball yet during a game and other kids just take over when he is out there, but I honestly don't care.  He is braver than he will ever know.  Most kids on his team have been playing since they were four, but I think by the end of the season he could be right there with them.

As a mom, it is so easy to want to protect your child from things that make them nervous and scared, but more and more I am realizing that getting through uncomfortable challenges really builds Thomas's confidence and ours in him.  Soccer has not been easy for him and there have been lots of awkward, frustrating times for us as parents as well, but each week is getting better and easier for all of us.  We keep encouraging him and acknowledging his scary feelings and gradually confidence is following.