Joshy had sports day today and he is 4.5 years old. We were unsure whether to take him because of the competition side of it and the fact we knew that it was going to be difficult! We spent a while the few days before, talking about not winning or losing, but working as a team and doing our best. As per norm, he didn't respond much and we wondered how it would be. In the end we decided we would go and made a deal with Joshy. The deal was that he tried everything and that is it. It didn't matter where he came, we wouldn't even talk about positioning. But if he just tried to be happy and tried the activities they had planned, he could pick a 'taking part' prize.
Upon arrival we were directed to the 'small hall' where within seconds, literally, Joshy has his hands over his ears and was crouched down so upset and traumatised by the screaming and shouting of adults and children alike, changing who was the best and who was going to win! I was disappointed and sad for my boy. But with a cuddle we managed to calm him down and we headed out to the field.
It was organised very well, with little stations where each group would stay for four minutes. They included thins like skipping, a balance Ben, football shoot out, teddy tossing, and long jump as well as a couple of others I forget.
He wasn't keen! Lots of people watching and now, lots of expectation. We just strayed together and I helped swing a rope for some other children to hop over. He held onto me and slowly began to wtch the rope but time was running out. He randomly decide to do some hopping over the rope himself and was surprisingly good. We congratulated him for trying and moved on. Next was balancing and this time Joshy was a bit more enthusiastic. He held my hand and joined in and in his third time, managed to balance unaided and was super happy! By this point we were pretty much last in everything so the crowd started to quiet down a bit.
When the penelty shoot out came Joshy missed and the crowd decided to do that noise... Ya know the one I'm talking about...that 'Ohhhhhhhhh' noise. So I was left cheering rather loud on my own and he came close to tears. Luckily a couple of other parents clicked on and told him how close he was and that he could have another go. Thank goodness for the 7 yer old goalie letting him score because the look of relief on Joshys face was so evident.
The teddy toss was silly. Or so Joshy thought. 'But I love my teddies, I don't want to throw them'. Fair enough. So we didn't. Who cares. We try not to throw toys anyway 😜
There was a few more he tried and wasn't too bothered about and then the long jump. He was excited it was nearly over and so decided he would have a really good go. Three times! He actually enjoyed it and especially enjoyed the ice pop he was given.
A few times he said 'did I win' and we talked about ten work and adding all our points together etc. i wondered if he understood.
We didn't stay for the prizes. It wouldn't have worked this year. He is too young to watch everyone else win and feel let down. So we went and let him choose a treat. He was so happy!
Later that evening as we were going to bed, he said to Samuel 'let's have a race'. Together they ran up the stairs and being older and faster, he won. My heart melted when he said 'it's ok Sam, there is no winning, you came 1st too and we're a team'
Life is hard enough as it is without the added pressure of winning a race. Sure, we know Joshy and Samuel have to learn it soon, but not yet. Because for now, it's more important that they have fun and build their self confidence, rather than have it knocked down.
The penelty shoot out action picture!
Half of team Joshy :)
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