The Baseball Allstar
Dear Doctor,
Our son has a special problem.
His dad loves baseball and so does our son. He is ten years old, and his father has worked with him to train him in catching, throwing, and any other things you can think of.
They have a good time together talking over the games and talking about the players in the major leagues and on his local team. The problem is this: Our son is a really bad baseball player.
The children on his team have begun to recognize it. They tease him, but he doesn’t seem to notice. His dad, my husband, says I shouldn’t worry about it, but I do. I don’t want to see him get hurt, and I know he will.
I think he should not play any more and do things he does better.
Advance Worry Mom
Dear Advance,
I am with Dad.
What is life but learning and trying. We pit ourselves not so much against each other but against our own expectations and dreams.
For one brief moment in your son’s life he has probably entertained dreams of being Babe Ruth or big Joe D. In his mind he has heard the roar of the crowd and seen himself as the hero! It will all pass.
He will learn what his strengths and gifts are. As for now, he and his father are having a time most parents pray for. Let it be. As to the teasing of the other kids, teach your son that their names mean nothing.
He alone must realistically define who he is. There is always someone out there willing to call you a name, good or bad, and we usually learn the hard way not to trust them.
Frankly, I would be proud of a boy who carries on without listening to the epithets of the onlookers. Give the boy credit. You are obviously a caring and thoughtful mother. He needs you but more as interpreter than protector, guide as opposed to shield. Let your wisdom be learned and not eventually resented.
My guess would be that your son will gradually begin to tire of the old game, at least as a serious player. He will have memories and a life long joy in watching a wonderful sport, not to mention priceless times with his Dad. Why don’t you go to the games and cheer a little.
Meanwhile, "Play ball!"
Tags: bad player, baseball player, crowd, dreams, local team, memories, onlookers, parents, teezing
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