Exploring Our Children’s Potentials

I asked  Vai earlier today,

Why do you think you like to play tennis, Vai?

*3 second pause*

Because Daddy plays tennis too!

…

Being the only boy in the family, I’m sure our soon-to-be 8 yo Vai looks up to what his Daddy loves to do.

How Daddy regularly plays tennis, and even finds it refreshing to play tennis after a hard day at work.

How Daddy is always eager to learn new things.

(ie. Daddy’s lifestyle, view on the world, how he reacts to happenings around him, etc, naturally has big impacts on the children)

So, what principles and values does Daddy (and me)  ALWAYS share with him (and other kids) when it comes to playing sports?

(List is not in any particular order of priority)

1. Keep working hard. Tennis is just a start. Life itself will present its challenges.

2. Learn about patience and perseverance. Don’t give up easily, even when there are obstacles ahead.

3. Learn to be competitive, while at the same time, learn to know when to ‘just play and have fun’ too.

4. If you win, be a good and humble winner and thank the other players.

5. If you lose, be a good loser, and still thank the other players.

6. Whether you win or lose, always OBSERVE and analyse your earlier games. What did you do wrong? What did you do right? How can I improve myself better?

[Braving the big flood in Jakarta with Daddy to go for his tennis lesson, which was located on ‘drier land’]

7. Prior to your tennis lesson, or tennis matches, make sure you’ve PREPARED YOUR OWN stuff to bring : racket, water bottle, etc. Yes, we will cheer, encourage and send you to lessons, but no one will prepare nor carry your stuff for you. It’s part of being responsible for your own things and activities.

8. Health, talent and strength is a gift from God. Always be thankful to God.

9. To work hard and persistently develop your talents and skills, is YOUR responsibility.

10. Winning a game should NOT be your main goal. Focus and do your very best in everything, IS.

And, here’s a shot of super smiley Vai with his FIRST EVER trophy and certificate, taken 2 weeks ago! =D

You see, last month, he had a month-long tennis competition against 7 other children (he’s the youngest, the others are 9-13 years old), and he won 2nd place!

He was super happy!

And we were very happy for him too! =)

Well done, Vai!

Keep on working hard!