Wednesday
Mar282012
Lessons Learned in the Dugout
Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 5:00AM
I resisted getting too involved in baseball {I'm leery of time commitments} , but I'm having fun being in the dugout with eleven enthusiastic 8U boys! Just like every situation in my life, God put me in this place at this time to teach me something (s) !
Keeping the boys (and all their gear) organized is a bit like herding cats, but I'm treasuring every moment.
Making a bucket for each player has worked well. I grabbed the team logo from the internet and added it to each boy's name and number. Laminating all of them was a good idea, too. Affix them all with clear packing tape and you're set.
A bonus if you use buckets: When someone doesn't cap up their water and it leaks all in the bucket, you can just pour it out!
I'm learning a lot spending time in the dugout:
1. Boys are just SILLY... some people mistake it for disobedient or disrespectful... I think they just need RULES and STRUCTURE.
2. A little one's spirit can be crushed in an instant - be careful what you say in the heat of the moment... baseball is just a GAME, after all. Our little boys' spirits are much more important than a botched throw or daydreaming in the outfield.
3. Little boys crave recognition and praise - searching for the good and not the bad is ALWAYS the best idea. Sometimes even the child who is perceived as most difficult just needs quite praise and consistent limits.
4. Potty humor is a form of communication... I'm learning not to fight it (within reason!).
5. God gave me a little boy to let me experience the world physically and to lighten me up!
Do you have any bits of wisdom about little boys?
Reader Comments (9)
Oh gosh, boys. I've got two of them a year apart. Wild but so very sensitive. I think you hit the nail on the head! Good advice! :)
This is great, Mary. I also know that little boys love their mamas, even the little boys who have social skills delays!
Love this post...so, so true!!
cute post. i LOVE your photos!!!
Fabulous post! I agree with all of the points but especially with number 2. It makes me cringe sometimes how insensitive grownups can be when talking to a kid. I bet the boys are having a great time in such a relaxed atmosphere; would love to find something like that for my little guy.
Absolutely no advice but love your system. :) Being raised at the ball field, I had 2 brothers who ate, slept and breathed baseball I love the game. I don't really watch it or go see games anymore which means Keilee is clueless about the sport. I would love to take her to a Braves games. My Mother and Daddy loved the Braves. Daddy played for them one year until he hurt his arm, he was a pitcher. :)
Anyhooo I so agree with points 2 and 3. I have seen fathers and coaches who should be thrown out of ever having anything to do with kids.
very sweet:)
This is a great post! I love how you were able to organize their things & all the points you made about boys. I have 3 kids, 2 of boys and you are correct. I also believe that dirt are just magnetically attracted to boys. I have seen these ball moms get to crazy over dirt on the uniform. High five them, and say good job!
Do you remember what size buckets these are? And what you paid?