Homeschooling Chronicles - Swim Team - The Right Fit!

While not a hypothesis based on scientific investigation, my own personal observations on how the gene pool works have led me to believe that it functions like a slot machine. You drop in a couple of chromosomes, pull the handle, and wait for the jackpot. It’s a bit like gambling in Vegas as you wait to see how each sweet, adorable baby will turn out. While I probably won't be getting a Nobel Peace Prize for this observation, I would like to share my own personal story.

Even though my children have two uncoordinated, unathletic parents, they are good at sports. This was definitely a surprise. When I was in school I preferred to sit on the bench, rather than being in the game.  My husband, who is built like a linebacker, didn't play a sport, but instead kept the stats. So imagine our surprise when we discovered that our kids enjoyed playing games, were coordinated, and could easily keep up with the rest of their teammates. While I was pleased that they were athletic, there was a drawback. While they wouldn't be picked last for teams, or have to stand in the back of the aerobics class like their mother, I didn’t relish going to all the games.

This confession is very un-soccer mom of me. I should be ashamed, but I’m willing to come out and admit the truth. I don't enjoy sitting at a soccer or baseball game and trying to figure out what is happening. It is either blistering hot or freezing cold. There are no pleasant in-betweens. With the weekly practices and Saturday games, I felt like our life was controlled by another person’s schedule. If you have two kids in different divisions, you can just "forgetaboutit."  As a homeschooler, I am used to being in charge. Team sports like this didn't work for me.

We tried other sports, but encountered the same problems. Then, like a miracle, my prayers were answered - swim team.  It offered the perfect combination of a potential to grow with the sport and weekly exercise for my kids. I was able to stand on the deck and watch, which was delectable icing on the tiered cake. The practices are held during the day, and I can chose how often to attend. Having swim team to look forward to encouraged my two fishes to get their school work done. They also loved seeing their friends! The swim meets are spread out and held inside, which is another bonus. While I love swim team, I’m still trying to decipher all the jargon. I swam when I was little.  I knew a couple strokes and haven't drowned yet, but I never realized the technical prowess involved. 

We had finally found our sport. At some point parents realize that the goal is not for their kids to be good at every sport, but to find the one that fits the whole family, not just the players. It's good to remember that for every star out on the field, there is a parent sitting in the bleachers cheering.