Exploring Our Children’s Potentials

Last weekend, our 8yo Vai had the chance to compete in a tennis competition, joining the category of ‘Under 10’.

Something that we’re all excited about.

It was all held outdoors.

And the weather was very, VERY warm.

At least 3 of his games were held around 11am – 1pm.

We sat by the court, under the shade, and even then, it was VERY warm and glary.

…

Having said that though, we never see ourselves as parents who say to their kids:

‘Careful … don’t run or you’ll fall down!’

‘Stay out of the sun! You’ll get a headache!’

‘Don’t get too tired! You’ll get sick!’

And we never will let ourselves do things like :

– Carry our child’s tennis bag
(Vai must pack his own tennis bag, prepare his water bottles, spare clothes, shoes, etc)

– Call the child to the side of the court to wipe his/her forehead with a towel, or help him change clothes, etc

– Give/shout out comments (on what the child should do) when he is already in the middle of a game

Why won’t we do such things?

Simply because the child MUST learn to be independent, focused, hard working, and never-giving up easily.

And, being pampered or constantly commanded by the parents is surely not going to do any good to his mentality.

Also, we believe, when a child is already on the court, in a game, he is to think for himself how he’s going to face the opponent, the kinds of strategy he will apply to beat the other player, etc.

Tennis coaches have also been saying how parents unfortunately often have been the ones killing / dampening their children’s fighting spirit (on and off the court), by giving negative comments or doing things FOR the child.

So to us, last weekend, Vai had a real, hard lesson on striving and struggling to do one’s best, a lesson on endurance and perseverance.

Not easy.

But it was a good training of one’s physic and mentality.

We saw improvements on how he plays his games, and on his mentality when he’s on the court too.

Like, there was a game when Vai already lost 1 – 5, and he caught up to 5 – 5.

Then it was 5 – 6 and 5 – 7.

Vai fought on, and got the game to 7 – 7, then to 8-8!

They went to a tie-break, and it was such a close game.

Vai lost 4 – 7.

It was great to watch him fight hard.

And to us, that matters the most!

And.

Vai came second, for the category ‘Under 10’.

He was so happy! =)

And again, as always, we hope he enjoyed every game, while doing his best.

The trophy and certificate?

Well, they are great bonus! =)

Keep it up, Vai!

You have our full support!