Overcoming The Parachute

Before class, I decided to have a pep-talk with my son. Parent 'N Me Sports & Games was in its third week, and he was still afraid of the parachute.

I recreated the activity in his bedroom. "Watch this," I told him as I lifted his favorite blanket from the crib high into the air. Tossing a few stuffed animals on top, I explained how it was just like what we did at the park with the parachute and balls. He grinned and assured me that this time he would participate. 

At Chumash Park, the group was a bit smaller this week—only about 10 2- to 4-year-olds gathered as we began the warm-up routine. Maybe last week's heat wave scared some folks off. Less chance of the kids battling over their preferred balls and hula-hoops, I thought.    

Now that everyone was familiar with the flow of the class, the kids quickly chose their dot to stand on and began to follow the coach's instructions. As we completed the "popcorn" and "reach-for-the-sky" stretches, my son's smile was infectious. I had one too, as did the rest of the parents. 

When the parachute was unrolled and Coach Andy called us over, I grabbed my son's hand. "Let's go," I said enthusiastically. "Time for parachute fun." He peered up at me, hesitant, and then we took our place with the rest of the class.

Together, we lifted the striped blanket up to the sky. Giggles ensued. And even though he staunchly stood in place when the rest of the kids ran to the center, this was a victory for my son.

The rest of this week was dedicated to a trifecta of games, the first being soccer. The object of this activity was to aim at a mini goal, but some kids preferred to roll themselves in, instead of the balls. As a result, only about five or six shots were actually made.

Next up was T-ball, a repeat from last week. After a few rounds of the kids throwing the balls to us, everyone took batting practice on the tees. I found the future of these Agoura sluggers to be bright. Everyone hit well and the smiles hadn't faded a bit. 

The class never did get to any of the basketball play, but Coach Andy's promise of a trifecta stayed true for my son, whose third challenge proved to be taking on the parachute.

"Mommy," he called out, dashing through our front door after class. "I played with the parachute. It was fun. I no cry!"