GM's thread about nothing (28 Viewers)

[Frostillicus]

I will also join the club.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Haven't had a drink in a week. :(

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I keep seeing that ***Official Destiny Thread*** and thinking something really important has happened in Homer's life.

It's causing PTSD flashbacks for me.

She was a fine, fine lady, and I think that pre-dates most of the people here. I'm sure Bentley (now) remembers.

 

[Osaurus]

Off to Milwaukee. Already humming the Laverne & Shirley theme.

 

[El Floppo]

We won soccer tonight 2-1 to move to 1-2 on the season. Found a new secret weapon - the fat kid. He's slow and deliberate, but he's coordinated and once he gets moving he's really good at using his body to keep all the other kids away from the ball. Between him and the 2 chinesed kids with my son setting picks we're on to something. I just need to get the weepy girl and the spazzy kid to quit somehow.

Ok... so 7yo Floppinho started on his first ever, but very recreational, team this year. I agreed to assistant coach- except nobody else signed up, so I got promoted.

I've got 9 kids total, including two sets of twins. Pretty sure, aside from the twins, that they randomly threw these 6 teams together... but I got the best kid in the league thrown in on my team- so... *win*.

But the twins (both brother/sister) are ####### bizarre pieces of work. The freakishly-tall, don't know when to shut-up twins have both mom and dad using the same plastic surgeon on speed-dial. Mom and dad look like this and despite the league clearly discouraging parents and coaches keeping score and just prefer being supportive... these two are constantly screaming the score out loud ("ITS 5-3!!!!... GET THE BALL TO THE RINGER!!!!"). They frighten me.

Meanwhile 2nd set of twins will someday take an assault rifle to their future place of employment. Not as good athletes as the other twins and whenever I offer encouragement the response is something along the lines of "NO- I"M TERRIBLE. THAT WAS THE WORST PLAY EVER". Ummm... you're right. The kids frighten me

more.

Floppoinho... awesome kid- really smart and funny, but I'm realizing that ruthlessly competitive and decent athlete 7yo me would have picked him last in most sports. He has some abilities/skills, but just doesn't have a competitive bone in his body. Old-guy me just wants him to try his best, have fun, and be proud of his own effort. If he could score just one goal this season... I would cry buckets.

tl;dr- these people are parents of twins on Jr's soccer team.

 

[El Floppo]

Looks like I'll be in Seattle Monday, December 8th to Friday, December 12th.

Wanna get drunk?

+1

Speaking of depressed (were we?), I hope CQ is OK. Check in when you can, buddy.

bump.

Guys, what happened? Anyone have contact info?

I know at least GM is FB friends with him...

OFFLINE Sep 23 2014 04:02 PMIs 24 hours a lot or a little for CQ?

He phrased that comment in such a typically funny way... but now it's just content- and scary.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I hate we don't keep score soccer leagues.

 

[Limp Ditka]

Catcher girl is back. Reading a book, but can't tell what it is

 

[Limp Ditka]

To be fair, I'm probably the one that's 'back' since its my first time on the train since last Thursday

 

[Limp Ditka]

If this chick would just use a Kindle, I'd have no idea what's she was reading in the first place. I'd just sit here, oblivious to the danger she poses, and enjoy my commute

 

[Annyong]

I like the part of the story where you throw the fake leg into another room

 

[Abraham]

Is that a picture of Jay Cutler? Sensational.

 

[charvik]

We won soccer tonight 2-1 to move to 1-2 on the season. Found a new secret weapon - the fat kid. He's slow and deliberate, but he's coordinated and once he gets moving he's really good at using his body to keep all the other kids away from the ball. Between him and the 2 chinesed kids with my son setting picks we're on to something. I just need to get the weepy girl and the spazzy kid to quit somehow.

Ok... so 7yo Floppinho started on his first ever, but very recreational, team this year. I agreed to assistant coach- except nobody else signed up, so I got promoted.

I've got 9 kids total, including two sets of twins. Pretty sure, aside from the twins, that they randomly threw these 6 teams together... but I got the best kid in the league thrown in on my team- so... *win*.

But the twins (both brother/sister) are ####### bizarre pieces of work. The freakishly-tall, don't know when to shut-up twins have both mom and dad using the same plastic surgeon on speed-dial. Mom and dad look like this and despite the league clearly discouraging parents and coaches keeping score and just prefer being supportive... these two are constantly screaming the score out loud ("ITS 5-3!!!!... GET THE BALL TO THE RINGER!!!!"). They frighten me.

Meanwhile 2nd set of twins will someday take an assault rifle to their future place of employment. Not as good athletes as the other twins and whenever I offer encouragement the response is something along the lines of "NO- I"M TERRIBLE. THAT WAS THE WORST PLAY EVER". Ummm... you're right. The kids frighten me

more.

Floppoinho... awesome kid- really smart and funny, but I'm realizing that ruthlessly competitive and decent athlete 7yo me would have picked him last in most sports. He has some abilities/skills, but just doesn't have a competitive bone in his body. Old-guy me just wants him to try his best, have fun, and be proud of his own effort. If he could score just one goal this season... I would cry buckets.

tl;dr- these people are parents of twins on Jr's soccer team.

Why would they do that????

 

[Limp Ditka]

Is that a picture of Jay Cutler? Sensational.

Is what a picture of Jay Cutler?

 

[El Floppo]

We won soccer tonight 2-1 to move to 1-2 on the season. Found a new secret weapon - the fat kid. He's slow and deliberate, but he's coordinated and once he gets moving he's really good at using his body to keep all the other kids away from the ball. Between him and the 2 chinesed kids with my son setting picks we're on to something. I just need to get the weepy girl and the spazzy kid to quit somehow.

Ok... so 7yo Floppinho started on his first ever, but very recreational, team this year. I agreed to assistant coach- except nobody else signed up, so I got promoted.

I've got 9 kids total, including two sets of twins. Pretty sure, aside from the twins, that they randomly threw these 6 teams together... but I got the best kid in the league thrown in on my team- so... *win*.

But the twins (both brother/sister) are ####### bizarre pieces of work. The freakishly-tall, don't know when to shut-up twins have both mom and dad using the same plastic surgeon on speed-dial. Mom and dad look like this and despite the league clearly discouraging parents and coaches keeping score and just prefer being supportive... these two are constantly screaming the score out loud ("ITS 5-3!!!!... GET THE BALL TO THE RINGER!!!!"). They frighten me.

Meanwhile 2nd set of twins will someday take an assault rifle to their future place of employment. Not as good athletes as the other twins and whenever I offer encouragement the response is something along the lines of "NO- I"M TERRIBLE. THAT WAS THE WORST PLAY EVER". Ummm... you're right. The kids frighten me

more.

Floppoinho... awesome kid- really smart and funny, but I'm realizing that ruthlessly competitive and decent athlete 7yo me would have picked him last in most sports. He has some abilities/skills, but just doesn't have a competitive bone in his body. Old-guy me just wants him to try his best, have fun, and be proud of his own effort. If he could score just one goal this season... I would cry buckets.

tl;dr- these people are parents of twins on Jr's soccer team.

Why would they do that????

The kids are keeping score and interested in winning and losing.

I think the point is- per the league- that as a first experience playing the sport, what should be coming from the adults is encouragement and support, not pressure to win. I can't disagree with it. After the game on the way home- sure... yell at your kid for losing. During the game- support the crap out of him, even if your plastic surgerized face is incapable of showing any emotion besides shock.

 

[El Floppo]

Is that a picture of Jay Cutler? Sensational.

Is what a picture of Jay Cutler?

"that"

Abe goes fast- you have to keep up.

eta: and pplease, please, please find out what the girl is reading... I'm getting antsy.

 

[charvik]

We won soccer tonight 2-1 to move to 1-2 on the season. Found a new secret weapon - the fat kid. He's slow and deliberate, but he's coordinated and once he gets moving he's really good at using his body to keep all the other kids away from the ball. Between him and the 2 chinesed kids with my son setting picks we're on to something. I just need to get the weepy girl and the spazzy kid to quit somehow.

Ok... so 7yo Floppinho started on his first ever, but very recreational, team this year. I agreed to assistant coach- except nobody else signed up, so I got promoted.

I've got 9 kids total, including two sets of twins. Pretty sure, aside from the twins, that they randomly threw these 6 teams together... but I got the best kid in the league thrown in on my team- so... *win*.

But the twins (both brother/sister) are ####### bizarre pieces of work. The freakishly-tall, don't know when to shut-up twins have both mom and dad using the same plastic surgeon on speed-dial. Mom and dad look like this and despite the league clearly discouraging parents and coaches keeping score and just prefer being supportive... these two are constantly screaming the score out loud ("ITS 5-3!!!!... GET THE BALL TO THE RINGER!!!!"). They frighten me.

Meanwhile 2nd set of twins will someday take an assault rifle to their future place of employment. Not as good athletes as the other twins and whenever I offer encouragement the response is something along the lines of "NO- I"M TERRIBLE. THAT WAS THE WORST PLAY EVER". Ummm... you're right. The kids frighten me

more.

Floppoinho... awesome kid- really smart and funny, but I'm realizing that ruthlessly competitive and decent athlete 7yo me would have picked him last in most sports. He has some abilities/skills, but just doesn't have a competitive bone in his body. Old-guy me just wants him to try his best, have fun, and be proud of his own effort. If he could score just one goal this season... I would cry buckets.

tl;dr- these people are parents of twins on Jr's soccer team.

Why would they do that????

The kids are keeping score and interested in winning and losing.

I think the point is- per the league- that as a first experience playing the sport, what should be coming from the adults is encouragement and support, not pressure to win. I can't disagree with it. After the game on the way home- sure... yell at your kid for losing. During the game- support the crap out of him, even if your plastic surgerized face is incapable of showing any emotion besides shock.

Completely foreign to me... I have been involved in competitive sport from a very early age, and I've never heard about not keeping score. To me it would be like going to school and not getting graded on performance.

 

[guru_007]

Obviously there is a huge difference between rec leagues and competitive leagues.

My kids started in rec leagues and they were a fine introduction to the game. It's good to see if kids have an interest in a sport or not to continue on. Score keeping isn't necessary as half the kids are usually chasing dandelion shoots or watching butterflies, while 1-2 kids on each team really care.

If the kids shows aptitude or enjoyment of a sport, its best to get them out of rec leagues asap.

I think my kids played every rec league sport offered, except football, and quickly moved onto competitive soccer leagues - which are a #### load more expensive and time consuming, but worth it.

 

[T Bell]

Don't have my son tonight. Not seeing anyone currently. I was playing computer games while I procrastinated doing some legal work for clients and realized belatedly that I was hungry, so I went up to the local grocery store and bought a 8-piece (whole) fried (not baked) chicken (made fresh, on site), a chilled bottle of gewurztraminer, and some watermelon-flavored Sour Patch Kids for dessert. I've eaten a fried breast and two fried thighs, I just poured the last of the wine into a plastic cup, and I'm currently eyeing the SPK's.

Slap it high?

WTF was I thinking?

 

[El Floppo]

We won soccer tonight 2-1 to move to 1-2 on the season. Found a new secret weapon - the fat kid. He's slow and deliberate, but he's coordinated and once he gets moving he's really good at using his body to keep all the other kids away from the ball. Between him and the 2 chinesed kids with my son setting picks we're on to something. I just need to get the weepy girl and the spazzy kid to quit somehow.

Ok... so 7yo Floppinho started on his first ever, but very recreational, team this year. I agreed to assistant coach- except nobody else signed up, so I got promoted.

I've got 9 kids total, including two sets of twins. Pretty sure, aside from the twins, that they randomly threw these 6 teams together... but I got the best kid in the league thrown in on my team- so... *win*.

But the twins (both brother/sister) are ####### bizarre pieces of work. The freakishly-tall, don't know when to shut-up twins have both mom and dad using the same plastic surgeon on speed-dial. Mom and dad look like this and despite the league clearly discouraging parents and coaches keeping score and just prefer being supportive... these two are constantly screaming the score out loud ("ITS 5-3!!!!... GET THE BALL TO THE RINGER!!!!"). They frighten me.

Meanwhile 2nd set of twins will someday take an assault rifle to their future place of employment. Not as good athletes as the other twins and whenever I offer encouragement the response is something along the lines of "NO- I"M TERRIBLE. THAT WAS THE WORST PLAY EVER". Ummm... you're right. The kids frighten me

more.

Floppoinho... awesome kid- really smart and funny, but I'm realizing that ruthlessly competitive and decent athlete 7yo me would have picked him last in most sports. He has some abilities/skills, but just doesn't have a competitive bone in his body. Old-guy me just wants him to try his best, have fun, and be proud of his own effort. If he could score just one goal this season... I would cry buckets.

tl;dr- these people are parents of twins on Jr's soccer team.

Why would they do that????

The kids are keeping score and interested in winning and losing.

I think the point is- per the league- that as a first experience playing the sport, what should be coming from the adults is encouragement and support, not pressure to win. I can't disagree with it. After the game on the way home- sure... yell at your kid for losing. During the game- support the crap out of him, even if your plastic surgerized face is incapable of showing any emotion besides shock.

Completely foreign to me... I have been involved in competitive sport from a very early age, and I've never heard about not keeping score. To me it would be like going to school and not getting graded on performance.

You think early education... ie: pre-K... gets graded on performance? That's the equivalent to this... it's their first time playing.

And again- they're scoring goals... so unless they're idiots, the score keeps itself. But kids keeping score isn't the issue- it's parents/coaches prioritizing the score over learning the game and having fun. If all they're worried about is the score, they'll give the ball to the little Jamaican kid every time and he'll go like-zis, like-zis, like-zis, goal [/victory]. meanwhile, the rest of them will stand around like germs, having done nothing and having learned nothing except some kind of Machiavellian approach to winning. That's what lion-lady/man have been yelling for their kids to do... "just give the ball to Rasta!".

I'm not a "not-keep-score" kind of guy... but I'm supporting the league's agenda, and I get it- especially for these first timers who are- again- highly interested in keeping score. IMO, if I can impart a little bit of how to play the game (and so far my hands are tightly bound) in a way that makes it fun for them and want to play again next year, the score will take care of itself.

 

[El Floppo]

Don't have my son tonight. Not seeing anyone currently. I was playing computer games while I procrastinated doing some legal work for clients and realized belatedly that I was hungry, so I went up to the local grocery store and bought a 8-piece (whole) fried (not baked) chicken (made fresh, on site), a chilled bottle of gewurztraminer, and some watermelon-flavored Sour Patch Kids for dessert. I've eaten a fried breast and two fried thighs, I just poured the last of the wine into a plastic cup, and I'm currently eyeing the SPK's.

Slap it high?

WTF was I thinking?

LARGE

 

[El Floppo]

Obviously there is a huge difference between rec leagues and competitive leagues.

My kids started in rec leagues and they were a fine introduction to the game. It's good to see if kids have an interest in a sport or not to continue on. Score keeping isn't necessary as half the kids are usually chasing dandelion shoots or watching butterflies, while 1-2 kids on each team really care.

If the kids shows aptitude or enjoyment of a sport, its best to get them out of rec leagues asap.

I think my kids played every rec league sport offered, except football, and quickly moved onto competitive soccer leagues - which are a #### load more expensive and time consuming, but worth it.

how long before your kids made the jump?

I'm not seeing the competitive aptitude or interest yet from Floppinho, but know that he has the abilities if those other two can swing around. But for now, next season will most definitely be another year in rec league.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

To be fair, I'm probably the one that's 'back' since its my first time on the train since last Thursday

I like to believe that she's live blogging on some literature forum/Twitter about some dude on the train that keeps staring intently at her. She probably thinks you're some creeper measuring her up for your deep freeze. Little does she know you're just trying to figure out what freaking page number she's on.

I'm also going to believe that her feed blew up when you got back on the train this morning.

 

[T Bell]

Don't have my son tonight. Not seeing anyone currently. I was playing computer games while I procrastinated doing some legal work for clients and realized belatedly that I was hungry, so I went up to the local grocery store and bought a 8-piece (whole) fried (not baked) chicken (made fresh, on site), a chilled bottle of gewurztraminer, and some watermelon-flavored Sour Patch Kids for dessert. I've eaten a fried breast and two fried thighs, I just poured the last of the wine into a plastic cup, and I'm currently eyeing the SPK's.

Slap it high?

WTF was I thinking?

LARGE

Thank God I took some ibuprofin before I went to bed last night. Holy crap I'd be hurting right now if I hadn't.

 

[guru_007]

Obviously there is a huge difference between rec leagues and competitive leagues.

My kids started in rec leagues and they were a fine introduction to the game. It's good to see if kids have an interest in a sport or not to continue on. Score keeping isn't necessary as half the kids are usually chasing dandelion shoots or watching butterflies, while 1-2 kids on each team really care.

If the kids shows aptitude or enjoyment of a sport, its best to get them out of rec leagues asap.

I think my kids played every rec league sport offered, except football, and quickly moved onto competitive soccer leagues - which are a #### load more expensive and time consuming, but worth it.

how long before your kids made the jump?

I'm not seeing the competitive aptitude or interest yet from Floppinho, but know that he has the abilities if those other two can swing around. But for now, next season will most definitely be another year in rec league.

A season or two.

My eldest tried soccer for two seasons, liked it okay, not enough to continue. Volleyball, baskeball, softball all one season. She's not all that into sports

My son did soccer for two seasons, loved it but by the second season it was obvious rec league was offering nothing and jumped to competitive soccer and was an obvious upgrade. He did baseball for two seasons (but I think the second was just because he knew I loved baseball), basketball just one.

My youngest one season in rec league (my wife was the coach which was lol in it's own) and then straight to competitive. She's actually very very good at soccer (yes I know I'm biased) and hoping scholarship awaits in 9 years raying:

 

[T Bell]

Obviously there is a huge difference between rec leagues and competitive leagues.

My kids started in rec leagues and they were a fine introduction to the game. It's good to see if kids have an interest in a sport or not to continue on. Score keeping isn't necessary as half the kids are usually chasing dandelion shoots or watching butterflies, while 1-2 kids on each team really care.

If the kids shows aptitude or enjoyment of a sport, its best to get them out of rec leagues asap.

I think my kids played every rec league sport offered, except football, and quickly moved onto competitive soccer leagues - which are a #### load more expensive and time consuming, but worth it.

how long before your kids made the jump?

I'm not seeing the competitive aptitude or interest yet from Floppinho, but know that he has the abilities if those other two can swing around. But for now, next season will most definitely be another year in rec league.

These things can change, especially if the kid finds they have some skill and starts experiencing some success. My son is generally not as competitive as me and I thought sports just wouldn't be his thing, but this season he's jumped way up in terms of his soccer skills. He's now scoring regularly and having a lot of fun.

Just keep him enjoying it and be patient with it.

 

[Josie Maran]

Can we go back to ParrotChat?

 

[T Bell]

Update for Tanner on the Bako kid who entered North Korean to investigate the prison camps there.

It turns out that prison camp life is pretty prison campy.

 

[El Floppo]

Obviously there is a huge difference between rec leagues and competitive leagues.

My kids started in rec leagues and they were a fine introduction to the game. It's good to see if kids have an interest in a sport or not to continue on. Score keeping isn't necessary as half the kids are usually chasing dandelion shoots or watching butterflies, while 1-2 kids on each team really care.

If the kids shows aptitude or enjoyment of a sport, its best to get them out of rec leagues asap.

I think my kids played every rec league sport offered, except football, and quickly moved onto competitive soccer leagues - which are a #### load more expensive and time consuming, but worth it.

how long before your kids made the jump?

I'm not seeing the competitive aptitude or interest yet from Floppinho, but know that he has the abilities if those other two can swing around. But for now, next season will most definitely be another year in rec league.

These things can change, especially if the kid finds they have some skill and starts experiencing some success. My son is generally not as competitive as me and I thought sports just wouldn't be his thing, but this season he's jumped way up in terms of his soccer skills. He's now scoring regularly and having a lot of fun.

Just keep him enjoying it and be patient with it.

BUT HE HAS TO WIN

good stuff- that's the plan, for sure.

what I'm seeing that scares me- and I'm not sure how to fix (any ideas welcome)- is that when he sees kids who are clearly better than him, he doesn't try at all... just backs off completely. I've been trying to make clear to him that I don't care how he does relative to anybody else but himself- that I'm proud of his effort more than the results. But he gives up before even trying far too often.

 

[T Bell]

Can we go back to ParrotChat?

 

[Josie Maran]

Update for Tanner on the Bako kid who entered North Korean to investigate the prison camps there.

It turns out that prison camp life is pretty prison campy.

Apparently the investigation was a success.

 

[T Bell]

Obviously there is a huge difference between rec leagues and competitive leagues.

My kids started in rec leagues and they were a fine introduction to the game. It's good to see if kids have an interest in a sport or not to continue on. Score keeping isn't necessary as half the kids are usually chasing dandelion shoots or watching butterflies, while 1-2 kids on each team really care.

If the kids shows aptitude or enjoyment of a sport, its best to get them out of rec leagues asap.

I think my kids played every rec league sport offered, except football, and quickly moved onto competitive soccer leagues - which are a #### load more expensive and time consuming, but worth it.

how long before your kids made the jump?

I'm not seeing the competitive aptitude or interest yet from Floppinho, but know that he has the abilities if those other two can swing around. But for now, next season will most definitely be another year in rec league.

These things can change, especially if the kid finds they have some skill and starts experiencing some success. My son is generally not as competitive as me and I thought sports just wouldn't be his thing, but this season he's jumped way up in terms of his soccer skills. He's now scoring regularly and having a lot of fun.

Just keep him enjoying it and be patient with it.

BUT HE HAS TO WIN

good stuff- that's the plan, for sure.

what I'm seeing that scares me- and I'm not sure how to fix (any ideas welcome)- is that when he sees kids who are clearly better than him, he doesn't try at all... just backs off completely. I've been trying to make clear to him that I don't care how he does relative to anybody else but himself- that I'm proud of his effort more than the results. But he gives up before even trying far too often.

Yeah, that's a tough one. What do you think intimidates him? Is he scared for his physical safety, or is he worried about failing, or something else?

 

[El Floppo]

Update for Tanner on the Bako kid who entered North Korean to investigate the prison camps there.

It turns out that prison camp life is pretty prison campy.

Has to be better than Bakersfield.

 

[El Floppo]

Obviously there is a huge difference between rec leagues and competitive leagues.

My kids started in rec leagues and they were a fine introduction to the game. It's good to see if kids have an interest in a sport or not to continue on. Score keeping isn't necessary as half the kids are usually chasing dandelion shoots or watching butterflies, while 1-2 kids on each team really care.

If the kids shows aptitude or enjoyment of a sport, its best to get them out of rec leagues asap.

I think my kids played every rec league sport offered, except football, and quickly moved onto competitive soccer leagues - which are a #### load more expensive and time consuming, but worth it.

how long before your kids made the jump?

I'm not seeing the competitive aptitude or interest yet from Floppinho, but know that he has the abilities if those other two can swing around. But for now, next season will most definitely be another year in rec league.

These things can change, especially if the kid finds they have some skill and starts experiencing some success. My son is generally not as competitive as me and I thought sports just wouldn't be his thing, but this season he's jumped way up in terms of his soccer skills. He's now scoring regularly and having a lot of fun.

Just keep him enjoying it and be patient with it.

BUT HE HAS TO WIN

good stuff- that's the plan, for sure.

what I'm seeing that scares me- and I'm not sure how to fix (any ideas welcome)- is that when he sees kids who are clearly better than him, he doesn't try at all... just backs off completely. I've been trying to make clear to him that I don't care how he does relative to anybody else but himself- that I'm proud of his effort more than the results. But he gives up before even trying far too often.

Yeah, that's a tough one. What do you think intimidates him? Is he scared for his physical safety, or is he worried about failing, or something else?

hard to pinpoint when I ask him- he'll say yes to anything to avoid talking about it. I think it's related to performance/perfection anxiety.. but he also has a heightened sense of "justice" and things being "fair" or "unfair" (to him). To him- it's there's some kind of "unfair" thing happening if other players are better or his team loses. Well... yeah! That's part of why I'm hoping the mellow rec league will help him get his mind around competition better- life isn't fair... what are you going to do about it and how are you going to handle it?

 

[T Bell]

Speaking of parrots, can we adopt this one as the official GMTAN mascot?

 

[T Bell]

Obviously there is a huge difference between rec leagues and competitive leagues.

My kids started in rec leagues and they were a fine introduction to the game. It's good to see if kids have an interest in a sport or not to continue on. Score keeping isn't necessary as half the kids are usually chasing dandelion shoots or watching butterflies, while 1-2 kids on each team really care.

If the kids shows aptitude or enjoyment of a sport, its best to get them out of rec leagues asap.

I think my kids played every rec league sport offered, except football, and quickly moved onto competitive soccer leagues - which are a #### load more expensive and time consuming, but worth it.

how long before your kids made the jump?

I'm not seeing the competitive aptitude or interest yet from Floppinho, but know that he has the abilities if those other two can swing around. But for now, next season will most definitely be another year in rec league.

These things can change, especially if the kid finds they have some skill and starts experiencing some success. My son is generally not as competitive as me and I thought sports just wouldn't be his thing, but this season he's jumped way up in terms of his soccer skills. He's now scoring regularly and having a lot of fun.

Just keep him enjoying it and be patient with it.

BUT HE HAS TO WIN

good stuff- that's the plan, for sure.

what I'm seeing that scares me- and I'm not sure how to fix (any ideas welcome)- is that when he sees kids who are clearly better than him, he doesn't try at all... just backs off completely. I've been trying to make clear to him that I don't care how he does relative to anybody else but himself- that I'm proud of his effort more than the results. But he gives up before even trying far too often.

Yeah, that's a tough one. What do you think intimidates him? Is he scared for his physical safety, or is he worried about failing, or something else?

hard to pinpoint when I ask him- he'll say yes to anything to avoid talking about it. I think it's related to performance/perfection anxiety.. but he also has a heightened sense of "justice" and things being "fair" or "unfair" (to him). To him- it's there's some kind of "unfair" thing happening if other players are better or his team loses. Well... yeah! That's part of why I'm hoping the mellow rec league will help him get his mind around competition better- life isn't fair... what are you going to do about it and how are you going to handle it?

I think this comes down to empowerment, then, and getting him invested in the idea that he has to make things fairer, along with his teammates. One of the great things about team sports is that "lesser" teams that work harder can beat greater teams. On a more individual level, he can get invested in performing his role well, whatever that may be.

I was a moderately gifted athlete growing up but had (especially in retrospect) poor soccer skills (wish I'd done more to develop those). I always had strong legs, a good work rate and an aggressive mindset, and nobody would go in on a 50-50 ball and win with me, and often I could time my challenge so that my foot met the ball at precisely the moment when the opposing player's foot did, which usually resulted in pain for them. I took a lot of pride in being a midfield destroyer as a result even though I couldn't pass for ####. Just a random example, but maybe helpful in its own way.

 

[charvik]

We won soccer tonight 2-1 to move to 1-2 on the season. Found a new secret weapon - the fat kid. He's slow and deliberate, but he's coordinated and once he gets moving he's really good at using his body to keep all the other kids away from the ball. Between him and the 2 chinesed kids with my son setting picks we're on to something. I just need to get the weepy girl and the spazzy kid to quit somehow.

Ok... so 7yo Floppinho started on his first ever, but very recreational, team this year. I agreed to assistant coach- except nobody else signed up, so I got promoted.

I've got 9 kids total, including two sets of twins. Pretty sure, aside from the twins, that they randomly threw these 6 teams together... but I got the best kid in the league thrown in on my team- so... *win*.

But the twins (both brother/sister) are ####### bizarre pieces of work. The freakishly-tall, don't know when to shut-up twins have both mom and dad using the same plastic surgeon on speed-dial. Mom and dad look like this and despite the league clearly discouraging parents and coaches keeping score and just prefer being supportive... these two are constantly screaming the score out loud ("ITS 5-3!!!!... GET THE BALL TO THE RINGER!!!!"). They frighten me.

Meanwhile 2nd set of twins will someday take an assault rifle to their future place of employment. Not as good athletes as the other twins and whenever I offer encouragement the response is something along the lines of "NO- I"M TERRIBLE. THAT WAS THE WORST PLAY EVER". Ummm... you're right. The kids frighten me

more.

Floppoinho... awesome kid- really smart and funny, but I'm realizing that ruthlessly competitive and decent athlete 7yo me would have picked him last in most sports. He has some abilities/skills, but just doesn't have a competitive bone in his body. Old-guy me just wants him to try his best, have fun, and be proud of his own effort. If he could score just one goal this season... I would cry buckets.

tl;dr- these people are parents of twins on Jr's soccer team.

Why would they do that????

The kids are keeping score and interested in winning and losing.

I think the point is- per the league- that as a first experience playing the sport, what should be coming from the adults is encouragement and support, not pressure to win. I can't disagree with it. After the game on the way home- sure... yell at your kid for losing. During the game- support the crap out of him, even if your plastic surgerized face is incapable of showing any emotion besides shock.

Completely foreign to me... I have been involved in competitive sport from a very early age, and I've never heard about not keeping score. To me it would be like going to school and not getting graded on performance.

You think early education... ie: pre-K... gets graded on performance? That's the equivalent to this... it's their first time playing.

And again- they're scoring goals... so unless they're idiots, the score keeps itself. But kids keeping score isn't the issue- it's parents/coaches prioritizing the score over learning the game and having fun. If all they're worried about is the score, they'll give the ball to the little Jamaican kid every time and he'll go like-zis, like-zis, like-zis, goal [/victory]. meanwhile, the rest of them will stand around like germs, having done nothing and having learned nothing except some kind of Machiavellian approach to winning. That's what lion-lady/man have been yelling for their kids to do... "just give the ball to Rasta!".

I'm not a "not-keep-score" kind of guy... but I'm supporting the league's agenda, and I get it- especially for these first timers who are- again- highly interested in keeping score. IMO, if I can impart a little bit of how to play the game (and so far my hands are tightly bound) in a way that makes it fun for them and want to play again next year, the score will take care of itself.

Maybe that's the disconnect here... I started playing on the playground, so prior to going into club football, I had 3-4 years of playground football of experience. I guess the rec-leagues are kind of replacing the playground here. You better believe we kept score on the playground though, but if one team dominated too much, you restructure the teams to have more fun.

 

[charvik]

Can we go back to ParrotChat?

I tried to evolve to include all birds by adding my raven to the mix but got no takers, so I figured parrot chat was over...

 

[El Floppo]

You think early education... ie: pre-K... gets graded on performance? That's the equivalent to this... it's their first time playing.

And again- they're scoring goals... so unless they're idiots, the score keeps itself. But kids keeping score isn't the issue- it's parents/coaches prioritizing the score over learning the game and having fun. If all they're worried about is the score, they'll give the ball to the little Jamaican kid every time and he'll go like-zis, like-zis, like-zis, goal [/victory]. meanwhile, the rest of them will stand around like germs, having done nothing and having learned nothing except some kind of Machiavellian approach to winning. That's what lion-lady/man have been yelling for their kids to do... "just give the ball to Rasta!".

I'm not a "not-keep-score" kind of guy... but I'm supporting the league's agenda, and I get it- especially for these first timers who are- again- highly interested in keeping score. IMO, if I can impart a little bit of how to play the game (and so far my hands are tightly bound) in a way that makes it fun for them and want to play again next year, the score will take care of itself.

Maybe that's the disconnect here... I started playing on the playground, so prior to going into club football, I had 3-4 years of playground football of experience. I guess the rec-leagues are kind of replacing the playground here. You better believe we kept score on the playground though, but if one team dominated too much, you restructure the teams to have more fun.

You have coaches and parents involved in playground or schoolyard pickup games who care about keeping score? we don't.

The idea is to keep the parents/adults from obsessing on it and instead prioritizing supporting the kids having fun and learning over winning.

THE KIDS ARE KEEPING SCORE.

 

[Osaurus]

ParrotChat would go perfect with Southwest's Spirit Week going on here in Tampa's airport. I think they have been power chugging Red Bull or using caffeine IVs. :X

 

[El Floppo]

I think this comes down to empowerment, then, and getting him invested in the idea that he has to make things fairer, along with his teammates. One of the great things about team sports is that "lesser" teams that work harder can beat greater teams. On a more individual level, he can get invested in performing his role well, whatever that may be.

I was a moderately gifted athlete growing up but had (especially in retrospect) poor soccer skills (wish I'd done more to develop those). I always had strong legs, a good work rate and an aggressive mindset, and nobody would go in on a 50-50 ball and win with me, and often I could time my challenge so that my foot met the ball at precisely the moment when the opposing player's foot did, which usually resulted in pain for them. I took a lot of pride in being a midfield destroyer as a result even though I couldn't pass for ####. Just a random example, but maybe helpful in its own way.

Very true- and I'm definitely trying to get him to see things in different ways.

Is it fair to your teammates if you don't try? Is it fair to the other team if your team wins? etc. I'm using these to try to quash the idea that things should even be fair, but rather that as long as he just tries his best, he'll have no (or less) worry about the outcome.

I grew up with sports- baseball and then soccer- and I was always naturally at a high level, which I further pushed with hard work and a desire to "do well" (wouldn't call it competitive, as it was more inward than outward). I love the lessons team sports can give: working individually and collectively towards different goals, how to win, how to lose, etc. But right now, it's difficult for me to empathize with him not trying to do well- relative to his capabilities.

 

[charvik]

You think early education... ie: pre-K... gets graded on performance? That's the equivalent to this... it's their first time playing.

And again- they're scoring goals... so unless they're idiots, the score keeps itself. But kids keeping score isn't the issue- it's parents/coaches prioritizing the score over learning the game and having fun. If all they're worried about is the score, they'll give the ball to the little Jamaican kid every time and he'll go like-zis, like-zis, like-zis, goal [/victory]. meanwhile, the rest of them will stand around like germs, having done nothing and having learned nothing except some kind of Machiavellian approach to winning. That's what lion-lady/man have been yelling for their kids to do... "just give the ball to Rasta!".

I'm not a "not-keep-score" kind of guy... but I'm supporting the league's agenda, and I get it- especially for these first timers who are- again- highly interested in keeping score. IMO, if I can impart a little bit of how to play the game (and so far my hands are tightly bound) in a way that makes it fun for them and want to play again next year, the score will take care of itself.

Maybe that's the disconnect here... I started playing on the playground, so prior to going into club football, I had 3-4 years of playground football of experience. I guess the rec-leagues are kind of replacing the playground here. You better believe we kept score on the playground though, but if one team dominated too much, you restructure the teams to have more fun.

You have coaches and parents involved in playground or schoolyard pickup games who care about keeping score? we don't.

The idea is to keep the parents/adults from obsessing on it and instead prioritizing supporting the kids having fun and learning over winning.

THE KIDS ARE KEEPING SCORE.

reading comprehension, I need to get some... missed the parent part... my bad

 

[El Floppo]

It's alright, Charv- I know this whole 'non-competitive' thing is a big knee-jerk bugaboo/panty-buncher for a lot of people.

plus... too many words to read.

 

[cosjobs]

Potato salad.

I love it.

I like some of the potatoes almost masked for creaminess, but also plenty of big chunks. It's got to have mayo and i prefer some dijon to yellow mustard. Lots of finely diced onions are a must and some celery gives a nice texture. I can go either way on eggs. For pickles i like a3 to one ratio of dill to sweet.

If any of you don't like this or prefer it another way you just wrong and stupid.

 

[krista4]

Looks like I'll be in Seattle Monday, December 8th to Friday, December 12th.

Wanna get drunk?

+1

Speaking of depressed (were we?), I hope CQ is OK. Check in when you can, buddy.

bump.

Guys, what happened? Anyone have contact info?

I know at least GM is FB friends with him...

OFFLINE Sep 23 2014 04:02 PMIs 24 hours a lot or a little for CQ?

He phrased that comment in such a typically funny way... but now it's just content- and scary.

He definitely is gone for long periods sometimes, and I'm not worried anything has happened to him (as you said he was typically funny with the comment). I just know he had some stress before and it seems like it's recurred, so hoped whatever it was is going better.

 

[krista4]

Potato salad.

I love it.

I like some of the potatoes almost masked for creaminess, but also plenty of big chunks. It's got to have mayo and i prefer some dijon to yellow mustard. Lots of finely diced onions are a must and some celery gives a nice texture. I can go either way on eggs. For pickles i like a3 to one ratio of dill to sweet.

If any of you don't like this or prefer it another way you just wrong and stupid.

The bolded is key. You said it beautifully. Almost brought a tear to my eye.

 

[-fish-]

Potato salad.

I love it.

I like some of the potatoes almost masked for creaminess, but also plenty of big chunks. It's got to have mayo and i prefer some dijon to yellow mustard. Lots of finely diced onions are a must and some celery gives a nice texture. I can go either way on eggs. For pickles i like a3 to one ratio of dill to sweet.

If any of you don't like this or prefer it another way you just wrong and stupid.

The bolded is key. You said it beautifully. Almost brought a tear to my eye.

why do you want the potatoes masked?

 

[El Floppo]

General Tso's chicken is sesame chicken minus the sesame seeds.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

General Tso's chicken is sesame chicken minus the sesame seeds.

Thank you for your service. :salute:

 

[T Bell]

I think this comes down to empowerment, then, and getting him invested in the idea that he has to make things fairer, along with his teammates. One of the great things about team sports is that "lesser" teams that work harder can beat greater teams. On a more individual level, he can get invested in performing his role well, whatever that may be.

I was a moderately gifted athlete growing up but had (especially in retrospect) poor soccer skills (wish I'd done more to develop those). I always had strong legs, a good work rate and an aggressive mindset, and nobody would go in on a 50-50 ball and win with me, and often I could time my challenge so that my foot met the ball at precisely the moment when the opposing player's foot did, which usually resulted in pain for them. I took a lot of pride in being a midfield destroyer as a result even though I couldn't pass for ####. Just a random example, but maybe helpful in its own way.

Very true- and I'm definitely trying to get him to see things in different ways.

Is it fair to your teammates if you don't try? Is it fair to the other team if your team wins? etc. I'm using these to try to quash the idea that things should even be fair, but rather that as long as he just tries his best, he'll have no (or less) worry about the outcome.

I grew up with sports- baseball and then soccer- and I was always naturally at a high level, which I further pushed with hard work and a desire to "do well" (wouldn't call it competitive, as it was more inward than outward). I love the lessons team sports can give: working individually and collectively towards different goals, how to win, how to lose, etc. But right now, it's difficult for me to empathize with him not trying to do well- relative to his capabilities.

Yep.

My great-grandfather (a genuinely tough SOB - one of those legends that every family has) used to pick up the Bible and tell my (young) father, "This book says many things, but it doesn't say anywhere that it's going to be fair." It's one of the most important lessons in life. Hopefully the sports can be used as a proxy to learn about that and applied elsewhere too.