The Complicated Boy had his very first T-ball practice yesterday. It was adorable. All of these little kids excited to be playing baseball like “the big kids” and then wandering their little minds off into fantasy land… (“Hey look at this cool bug on the field“).
The practice started at 6pm and right away I knew our coach was one of those “Im trying to live out a dream” types (yes, with 5 year olds). He never once cracked a smile… his militant tone of voice was all “work hard, play hard” (again.. yes- with 5 year olds). The kids didn’t seem to notice. They were just running their bases, throwing themselves around on the field trying to catch the ball (even if they were in left field and the ball was in right… or a foul)- But the coach’s demeanor bothered me.
Our 60 min practice quickly became a 90 minute practice without as much as a water break– 90 minutes (yes, for 5 year olds)… and then at the end he looks up at us parents (freezing at 7:30pm with our younger kids mind you), almost seeming annoyed that they were out of time and says “Uh, does anyone have to be home?”
I know! … Is this dude serious??
Shamelessly, Mr Complicated and I nodded our head over and over…. he got the point.
We are going to have these practices every week. Is it just me or is 90 minutes a little long? Did you kid ever have a coach like ours? How did you handle it? I need advice people! This is my first time and I don’t want these seasoned little league parents to eat me alive!
On a side note- I also signed a pledge before I went to practice for Mom’s for Mouth Guards run by Pat Smith (Wife of Emmit Smith). Even though I am a newbie at this whole kids sports thing-I know the importance of safety! The thought of my kid breaking a bone, having a tooth knocked out by a ball or really being injured in anyway- is my BIGGEST fear and has been since I first became a Mom. If your child plays sports- take a moment to sign the pledge!
