Goal Posts

Posted byAbPosted inADHD, adoption, FASD, fatherhood, gratitude, growth mindset, love, Parenting, schoolTags:, , , , , , , , , ,

Grade 3 is in the history books and we’re kicking summer off with soccer.

T has recently developed a love for soccer.

Thanks to his CYW, he had his own soccer ball and played soccer at recess with a group of boys.

There were bumps along the way, as T gets upset when he doesn’t get his way, but it was a good opportunity to learn about teamwork.

As a year-end gift, his CYW gave him his own jersey and shorts, inspired by popular Argentinian soccer player, Lionel Messi.

I may be biased, but T looks like a star in it.

He walks with extra swagger in it. 🥰

Like a World Cup finals match, the past school year has been filled with nail-biting moments.

But T finished strong like a champ!

We received his report card on Thursday and T got 3 As – one of which was for math! 🥰

It made all those meltdowns prepping for math tests worth it – and the hubby and I told him how damn proud we are of him. 💕

His teacher wrote thoughtful detailed feedback, which included:

“T has had a great ending to his Grade Three year. T is a caring, bright and helpful member of our classroom community. T has had some success in maintaining the self-control necessary to actively attend class, participate in activities and complete his work this term.”

We appreciated her feedback about where he needs work, but we’re putting all that aside for now.

Because we’ve reached this latest goal post: summer. For now, we rest, recharge, build fun memories outside the school grind.

The past work week felt long, because I had early and late days. I logged off early on Friday to pick T up from school on his last day.

Instead of going on the bus to daycare, I gave T an early start to summer.

It was heartfilling watching the teachers escort the kids out of the school to their waiting parents and the kids hugging their teachers.

As T walked out, he didn’t look happy nor excited.

“I want to go find Jimmy,” he said. He went right back inside the school and one of his teachers kindly allowed me to follow him.

We made our way to the front, where T found Jimmy, who he played soccer with during recess.

T gave him a hug and the two played for 30 minutes while Jimmy waited for his bus and I caught up with T’s junior kindergarten teacher who was supervising the group.

I loved watching T play with his friend, because it’s something I never see, only hear about at home.

When the bus came, I could see the anxiety in T’s eyes. He gave his friend a hug and watched him go on the bus.

As he waved to the departing bus, the tears streamed down his eyes and when he got into our car, he cried and said he’s going to miss Jimmy.

It was a bittersweet moment as a parent, because on one hand, I don’t like to see my child sad but on the other, it was sweet to see T experience the spectrum of emotions that come with friendship.

I took T to McDonald’s for ice cream, because if anything can help soothe the blues, it’s ice cream.

This morning, we got up and T asked me to kick his soccer ball around the living room with him.

This kid is pretty darn good, I have to say.

He got testy when I gave him a hard time with scoring a goal.

“I’m not just going to let you win,” I told him.

“Why not?”

“You want to play with people that are better than you, because that’s how you’re going to learn and that’s how you’re going to get better.”

My words flew over his head. But I like to think it’ll sink in one day for him.

It reinforced to me one of the things I’m grateful for in this FASD parenting journey. It kicks my ass most days, but it teaches and helps me to be better.

27 thoughts on “Goal Posts”

  3. What a fantastic school year T had. He is improving every year and a lot is due to both your hard work as well as his! T has made so many accomplishments, I can’t believe he will be in 4th grade next year!

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    1. Thanks Diane! 💕 Grade 4 will be a challenging year because of the switch from learning to read to reading to learn. But I’m going to enjoy summer first and worry about the next chapter when the time comes. 🙏

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  4. I love this, Ab! The analogy to soccer. The emotions with friendship! And the fabulous grades! I particularly liked what you said at the end and hope that it sinks in! It’s not good to always let the kids win
    You are a winner in so many ways!!!!!

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    1. Thanks Vickie! 💕 It was a wonderful way to end the school year. We know there are many more highs and lows in the future but gonna just celebrate and relax this summer. 🙏 We don’t always win but we will celebrate these wins! 😊

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  5. Way to go, T! And three As, including one for math, that’s awesome! It really warmed my heart knowing how close he got with one of his friends. Emotions are strange, but they make us humans. I also love the fact that he excels in a team sport which I believe will tremendously help him with his social skills. Now it’s time for summer break!

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    1. Thanks Bama! 💕 It was really a nice way to end the school year, tears and all. Emotions are very human things for sure and a wonderful price to pay for experiencing love and friendship.

      Summer has been going great so far. We’re currently in Banff and it’s beautiful here. Will share a few photos soon. Hope you’re having a great week too!

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  6. How fun that T is getting into a new sport, and one that is team based. That’s very sweet that his CYW gave him his own soccer outfit. Glad to hear that T had many successes in Grade 3! Yay for getting an A in math! I always found it a bit sad to end the school year and knowing you won’t get to hang out with your friends as often. But the sadness quickly fades as you also don’t have any homework! Enjoy the rest of the Canada Day long weekend!

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    1. Thanks Linda. 💕 it’s been an awesome way to end the year. I do remember the bittersweet emotions that come with the end of a year though!

      Hope you’re having a nice long weekend! We marched in Pride yesterday are currently at the airport heading to Banff. 😊 So excited! Take good care.

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      1. Sounds like you’ve been busy this past week! Safe travels! Hopefully you didn’t have any delays at the airport. I just looked at the weather forecast for Banff. Besides today, it looks like you’ll have lots of sunshine and warm weather! Have fun!

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  9. Love T in his soccer jersey. Doesn’t Messi play for an American team these days? What an athletic sport!

    Miss O greeted the end of grade 3 with some tears as well. She said it was be she realized she would never be in that class, with exactly those people, and that great teacher ever again. Sheesh, too true!

    But I love how you talk about how we learn. Yep, it’s not from when people let us win, that’s for sure! Happy summer to you all!! ❤ ❤ ❤

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    1. Thanks Wynne. 💕 I don’t follow Messi so I’ll take your word for it. 😆 I just know he’s Argentinian cuz one of my Argentinian friends is also a fan.

      I’m sorry for Miss O. Our hearts do ache for our kids during these moments. But it’s a sign she had a full year of friendships and memories. 💕

      Hope you’re all enjoying your weekend. It’s a long one over here and we’re marching in the Pride parade later today. 🙏🌈

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  10. Great job to T on being set for grade 4 in the fall! I know plenty of people who don’t face the regulatory challenges that T does who get really bent out of shape when they don’t win or get their way 😉 Perhaps they would also benefit from some of the lessons and guidance T is learning. I don’t follow soccer but clearly T knows what’s going on and who to emulate. I like that he has folks to look up on top of his dads. Do you have summer vacation plans? I think maybe you mentioned something a few posts back Ab, but maybe not…?

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    1. Thanks Deb. 💕 You’re right about others who get bent out of shape. I’m one of them when I lose Monopoly. 😆 I could work on regulation with T. 🤣

      I agree that positive role models are so important and sports and sports heroes are great ones to have in life. I never thought of it that way, so thank you!

      It’s Canada Day Long weekend over here and also Pride so T will be joining me to march with my work at the Pride parade later today. Send prayers for a regulated child. 😆🙏🌈 Then we head off to Banff in Western Canada (I’m on the East side) tomorrow. 😊

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      1. I always assumed Monopoly was just a perpetual game that no one wins or loses. You just have to agree to stop playing…at least that’s how I’ve always played it!

        I hope you have a great time today! I am just south of Seattle and the annual Pride parade (it started in the 70’s there) is happening. Major, major event and growing every year. Never been up to Banff but I know it’s closer to me than eastern Canada and it’s beautiful. I think it sits within the Canadian Rockies? A friend has a son who has lived there for many years. He leads outdoor rescues in the mountains.Try not to meet him but have a great time 😉

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  11. What a heartwarming report on the conclusion of T’s grade 3 career. Bravo to T for all he has accomplished and bravo to his dads for the loving support (and patience) that made it possible. Having a soccer outfit that follows that of Lionel Messi is for sure a pod way to get the summer started!

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    1. Thanks Jane. 💕 As a professor, I know you can relate and appreciate on the joys of a strong finish to the school year. We’re very proud of his ending to grade 3.

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