Having a 12-year-old daughter, I'm in the thick of sports tryouts, musical auditions, and school invitationals. We are getting the whole experience of working hard and dealing with disappointment. I firmly believe in growing through life experiences such as not making the team, bombing a test, or forgetting your line in an audition. These experiences build character and prepare our kiddos for a lifetime of extreme excitement and extreme disappointment. All of which we, as adults, have experienced.
But something that doesn't sit well with me as a parent is the lack of space in sports, music, art programs, and school activities for the "average kid." This would include my daughter, the kid down the street, the boy sitting in the pew in front of us at church, and probably your kid.
What does an average kid look like?
It's a kid who...
- Drags their feet getting to school in the morning, but when there, are focused, trying their best, and respectful to staff.
- Participates in rec sports to stay active and be a part of a team, but doesn't score the goals.
- Sometimes talks back to their parents, but do their chores, help around the house, and love their family.
- Practices at something they love (singing, an instrument, a sport, drawing) to get better but will never be the best.
- Holds the door open for the person behind them, shovels the elderly neighbor's driveway, and empathizes with those around them.
- They spend too much time on their phones, electronics, and TV, but they are the first to ask for a family game night or hang out with friends.
- They don't spend 6 days a week practicing a sport, studying, or singing on a stage so they can continue to be an average kid.
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