WA is consumed with hockey. It's not love, it's not fascination, it's obsession. At 3 years old I think he feels like our driveway is the Joe Louis Arena, that his Dad is Wayne Gretzky and that the Zamboni is God's gift created just for him.
Usually I try and hang out with WA for a bit at daycare in the morning. The kids in WA's room love to chat, show me various toys, have me read to them, do puzzles or give me high-fives. WA, on the other hand, can not wait to set up a makeshift game of hockey using plastic bowling pins and just about anything that will roll on the floor. Luckily his friends seem to love it, and his amazing teacher, Ms. C, keeps it tempered so that no checking transpires. Ms. C is also teaching WA that if he does not use "his listening ears", he has to go to "the penalty box". So earlier this week, Ms. C told WA not to "high stick", her attempt at avoiding the kids whacking each other accidentally. WA wasn't listening and so Ms. C repeated her request. WA then voluntarily walked over to the sink and sat on a small stool, which the kids use when they wash their hands, and said "Ms. C! I'm in the penalty box!". It was very cute, I couldn't help but smile.
Every night, after WA comes home from school, the first thing he'll ask is "Momma, can I play hockey?". Rain or shine the question is asked. Napped or not napped, the question is asked. Starving or full, the question is asked. Mostly we try and humor him and play street hockey in the driveway before heading in for dinner, but sometimes the weather (or our energy level) doesn't cooperate and disappointment ensues. I suppose these instances are excellent lessons in "you can't always get what you want", but I hate seeing disappointment on his face over something he is clearly so passionate about.
The upside of WA's single minded hockey obsession is that it has become an excellent bribery tool. I've already gotten a few naps out of it. WA is, and always has been, an awful napper, but when I tell him that he can play hockey if he naps, it's off to dreamland for WA.
I truly love seeing my son enjoy an activity so much, but all I have to say is that in a few short years, when WA is likely playing organized hockey, and the alarm goes off at 5am...it's Daddy that's going to be dropping him off at the rink:).
2 comments:
That's cute. We have the same issue with Liam but with him it's baseball. I was getting nervous that maybe this level of "dedication" to the sport was unhealthy but his pediatrician says it's awesome. It is the ONLY thing we can take away from him that matters to him.
1) I will see you at the rink this winter - yes?
2) You will love WA bday gift - it is a carpet hockey set - so now he can play inside while you cook dinner!
-DS
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