So when I was little, as a "fullback" I was told to "clear the ball." So all I had to do to get cheers from the crowd and accolades from my coach was to kick the ball away from opposing players, and kick it really hard. And every team played with a keeper, 4 fullbacks (which included a stopper and a sweeper), 3 halfbacks and 3 forwards. Soccer was simple, especially for fullbacks. Many a time I was told not to play with the ball, just kick it...As I was watching the FIFA Womens World Cup, I watched the defensive backs not clearing the ball, but stepping into the ball and maneuvering around offensive players and making close passes. Wow, have times changed.
Wow, lots have things have changed with time. The other day, my 11 year old daughter asked if she could go less than a mile away to a clothing store with 3 other teenage friends. My initial reaction was "No and again, NO!" but then I thought about when I was 11. I went to the movies with friends all the time. Down to 7-11 for slushees all the time. Went for long walks and bike rides. I went EVERYWHERE without an adult, and NO CELL PHONE. It wasn't that I didn't trust her, it's that I didn't trust everyone else. But, I breathed, and found myself saying, "Yes. BUT...." and the list of rules started. What is it that has changed?
The game of soccer hasn't changed, but the players have. Marta, a striker for Brazil's women's team, is one player that can dribble and outrun five players, fake the keeper out, and score. Midfielders now are specialized as either defensive or offensive. Backs now don't just clear the ball, they start the play with organized passing. The objective is to win the game. That hasn't changed. Life hasn't changed, but the players have.
One person can take out 80 teenagers learning about global politics. Politicians are governed by keeping their seat, rather than doing the best for ALL of their fellow citizens. Respect for life and others has greatly diminished. My daughter is very responsible, always checks in when not at home, follows the rules when NOT at home (not necessarily when she IS home). I didn't have a problem trusting my daughter to make good choices. I had a problem trusting the dozens of people she would encounter along the way. The drivers talking on their cell phones not paying attention to girls crossing the street, boys that have been taught that it's okay to make comments to young girls without respect, people who have no respect for life at all. My objective in life is the same...live life as the gift it is and live it with passion, peace, and joy.
Do I restrict my children's freedom due to the stupid decisions of others? Is there a line I am not willing to cross? I would never give up my child to someone that I know will harm her. But how do I know who that "someone" is? I want to teach my children to take care of themselves because you never know what skills or tactics the opposing players use. All I can do is prepare them. So...yes, my daughter went. And then 3 hours later after being unable to contact her and without her checking in, my husband went and picked her up at the store and was grounded from friends for the rest of the day. Funny how she was safe from others, just not from herself that day :)
ANECDOTE OF THE DAY: Upon seeing a cashier at a store with pink hair, my daughter asked me why her hair was pink. I responded, "I'm not sure, but I'm sure she'll let you know if you ask her." So she did. And the young woman responded, "Because pink is my favorite color." After which, my daughter quickly let her know it looked fantastic. That was it, no judgment, no right or wrong. A girl's hair was pink because it was her favorite color. I loved that experience.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: "The beauty of Cup football is that Jack always has a chance of beating Goliath." -- Terry Butcher
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