Put Things Into Perspective.

[abc23]

Hello all. I am a grown ex-softball player, and after browsing these forums and reflecting on my years on the diamond, I feel that I may need to call some things to your attention. I know my post is long, but I sincerely ask that you read the whole thing.

Softball is a game. Yes, a game. A pastime, recreation, not a job. And let's be frank, when your daughters are 25, what will softball give them other than a collection of good memories? It might help them get into college, I'll grant you that. But rarely a big college that will do anything for a resume; a quick bat speed isn't a ticket to great higher education. Believe it or not, there is life outside of a softball complex! Softball should contribute to a girl's life, it shouldn't be her life.

I remember parents getting so heated about which player was going to which team, who lost to who in a tournament, etc. Honestly, how petty! But families treated these situations like they determined the fate of their 10-year-old second baseman. Usually, it resulted in weakening their daughter's friendship with her teammates and lowering her self-esteem- all because of a game, a supposedly "fun sport" of a pre-adolescent.

Come on, parents, this is your child's extra-curricular activity. Am I telling you to never let your daughter play sports? No! It's unhealthy to not be active around other kids. That being said, it's also unhealthy for a child to feel like if they make an error in a softball game, their life is over. (I know what you're saying; "That's ridiculous, no one thinks that." I played softball. People think that. And rightfully so, based on many parents' reactions to errors.) So put things into perspective. When you're about to yell at your kid for not diving for that fly ball, take a step back. This is supposed to be fun, this is recreation. It's only a game.

Thanks.

[greenandblue]

Thank you, that was well said. If only this was required reading for every parent. It would, however, fall on deaf ears.

[Sam]

Hello all. I am a grown ex-softball player, and after browsing these forums and reflecting on my years on the diamond, I feel that I may need to call some things to your attention. I know my post is long, but I sincerely ask that you read the whole thing.

Softball is a game. Yes, a game. A pastime, recreation, not a job. And let's be frank, when your daughters are 25, what will softball give them other than a collection of good memories? It might help them get into college, I'll grant you that. But rarely a big college that will do anything for a resume; a quick bat speed isn't a ticket to great higher education. Believe it or not, there is life outside of a softball complex! Softball should contribute to a girl's life, it shouldn't be her life.

I remember parents getting so heated about which player was going to which team, who lost to who in a tournament, etc. Honestly, how petty! But families treated these situations like they determined the fate of their 10-year-old second baseman. Usually, it resulted in weakening their daughter's friendship with her teammates and lowering her self-esteem- all because of a game, a supposedly "fun sport" of a pre-adolescent.

Come on, parents, this is your child's extra-curricular activity. Am I telling you to never let your daughter play sports? No! It's unhealthy to not be active around other kids. That being said, it's also unhealthy for a child to feel like if they make an error in a softball game, their life is over. (I know what you're saying; "That's ridiculous, no one thinks that." I played softball. People think that. And rightfully so, based on many parents' reactions to errors.) So put things into perspective. When you're about to yell at your kid for not diving for that fly ball, take a step back. This is supposed to be fun, this is recreation. It's only a game.

Thanks.

Why don't you just shut up....

[GIMNEPIWO]

Agreed ... very well said, to the point and more concise than you realize for a Heybucket newb post ... Hold that thought and put it into action when your DD or DS is playing whatever sport they choose or soccer ... because no matter how good a parents intentions are ... they sometimes can get clouded by their tunnel vision ...

[geterdone]

REACTION: who are you that actually went through this experienced to tell me that I was an a-hole to my kid as she grew up? This never happened! I was a perfect parent. (while wondering why my relationship sucks with my kid now when she's an adult)

[Joe]

I just threw up on my keyboard. What a bunch of drivel.
First post fail!

First post fail for abc23?

[Joe]

I just threw up on my keyboard. What a bunch of drivel.
First post fail!

First post fail for abc23?

Did I stutter?

I was hoping you did... since the 2000+ mindless, worthless, trash posts you've thrown up on this site don't come close to the one she just posted. Get a clue!

I don't stutter either

[darkaspain]

Thanks for the advice. Maybe next year your DD will make JV as a senior.

[Lunatic Fringe]

Youth is so wasted on the young.

[Joe]

I am glad you found enlightenment from a poster. If you found value in her words God bless. As far as my posts, wow, three negative adjectives from you in one sentence. Did you use a thesaurus? I am impressed.
Nice edit on your spelling J J J J J Joe

My friend...you're obviously a young punk. You see...I'm an old punk with a few skins on the wall and a DD or two out of the nest. If you don't see the value in the poster's message, then you have ways to go.