Supporting Role

I often think of the job of parenting as being a supporting role. Our kids are the leads and we are there to support them through it in every way that we can. We tell our kids often that we love their interest because we love them and we are passionate about what they care about because they are passionate about it. Our kids have come up with many different things that they've been interested in and from month to month they can even change. All of our children have tried everything from art to music to science and sports and I am so thankful that there are so many different opportunities out there for them to enjoy. 

Trent used to do many different activities. The other day I asked him to list to me the order of his interest and he said robotics, art, music, and lastly sports. He is older now and it's clear that he knows what interests him most. He's tried everything out there and has come to the realization that he loves robotics in every way and it is for sure his passion. It is the time of year that he looks forward to, it is his group of friends and it is a hobby that he enjoys with vigor. 

Dylan and and Aliya are still at the age in which they are trying out different things. It is fun to watch them go from dodgeball club to comic book club and then on to Spring Sports. If there is a sign-up sheet you can be certain that it is in Aliya's hand and about to be handed to me for Signature. She loves to try as many things as she possibly can and we have to limit the number of clubs in which she joins so that she still has free time just to play as a kid outside. Dylan on the other hand is very content staying home and we have to gently nudge him to try out for different things. 

This past weekend we had our days full of supporting roles. We got to go to an orchestra performance for Aliya as well as see a performance of Shrek jr. that Aliya had helped on as part of the crew. Dylan also had tryouts for flag football this weekend. Which was a nerve-wracking experience for him but he did great and we are so proud of his effort.  All of these Sidelines that we stand on and times cheering in the crowd make me so excited to be their mom. It is fun to watch the kids learn new skills, become passionate about their interests and most of all I love watching them build their confidence. The spring is always a time of change for us. Now that Crew is done Aliya is onto working on a big chorus production as well as playing soccer. Dylan is on to learning flag football and Trent will be starting art classes. Their interests amaze me and their talents continue to grow each day. I really do think that the supporting role might be even more fun than the lead because watching our kids perform and succeed has to be one of the most exhilarating feelings of parenthood.