Soccer with Dad

Dave and I both played soccer when we were young.  This journal entry jumped out at me as a great example of sharing a little bit of yourself with your kids. Doing a little something together that connects you and builds memories is really a pretty big thing, when you think about it.

Kicking a soccer ball is also a great introduction to back and forth, taking turns.  Playing catch is a traditional Dad-Son activity but it adds the pressure of needing to catch the ball and throw accurately enough that your dad can catch it. Kicking a soccer ball, on the other hand, is much easier. Running to go get the ball just adds to the exercise and fun so you don’t need to be very accurate or skilled to come away from the experience feeling good.

The physical skills are great! Practicing balancing on one foot while kicking the ball with the other, running to get the ball, orienting yourself towards your partner to kick it back to them, keeping your eye on the ball as you kick…you get the idea.

And, the language surrounding this activity is so widely applicable: ‘Your turn!’ ‘My turn!’ ‘Great job!’ ‘This is fun!’

If you’re like Dave, you’ll get to share your soccer skills, your encouragement and your sense of humor with your kids, all on a quick trip out to your own backyard.