Tomorrow morning she is going to suit up with the 10 year olds for a travel game for Futsal. Futsal is indoor soccer with a heavier ball-- lots of control on the ball, which stays on the ground the whole time. Geoff and I are trying to frame it well-- you are a tool in a toolbox. If he needs a speedy, small, scorer, he's going to call on you. If not, he won't. So, the team just needs you to be ready! Clara's response: "But I'm not a tool, I'm a girl with feelings!"
I do take her point. On one hand, I'm like, "Isn't it ok for her to feel things and learn to work through them?" Why is there a special emotional criteria for girl athletes if they are expressive? When boys are sad when they get scored on, they are viewed as serious and fierce. I don't want her to feel in over her head as well as emotionally-guarded.
But on the other hand, it is a team sport. Taking loss personally isn't a good habit for the longevity of her love of soccer. My Dad would say, "Shake it off. Shake it off."
Oh things are getting so meta. I'm coaching my girl, using advice from my Dad, but I don't really know what the right answer is.
I think it's going to have to be one of those days that play itself out, in its peculiar and unique way, full like all of our days, of serendipity and good lessons and tears mixed in equal measure.
