Harlem Globetrotters

After his first game, I noticed that he blocked with one hand only. So we discussed using both hands. The next game, he used two hands. We also talked about how playing the game was similar to ‘acting’ in that you are performing in a sense, and have to be ‘on’. People are watching you and teammates are counting on you. That can be a lot of pressure! This was new for DJ. But you know, he met each challenge. Sometimes well, sometimes not so well. And that’s OK.

Can you guess what type of parent I am on the bleachers? The quiet-non-yelling-knitting type. I don’t know why parents yell/shout/cajole/toot. I asked DJ if he could hear what the parents were saying. He said no. I figured as much- the kids have too much on their minds, listening to their coach and teammates. His dad came to the last two games and yes, he is a vocal-encourager.

After the last game, in which DJ had accidentally passed the ball to the opposing team, twice <ouch>, I did notice that he seemed to sort of ‘give up’ towards the end. Gone was the energy and enthusiasm. I knew he was feeling awful about what he had done. His dad noticed it as well and said to me that if DJ wasn’t going to play the game, then he couldn’t be on the team. I said it was DJ’s choice. He said it wasn’t. I reiterated that it was his choice and that if he played badly, his coach and his teammates would let him know. [natural consequences] I told him that after every game, DJ and I discussed strategies and things he could do next time and he did them. He improved with every game. His dad just mumbled something and walked away.

The Harlem Globetrotters played at the Staples Center and it was our first time there. Wow! Makes me want to be interested in sports~it’s very nice! The show was great. It was fun and funny. DJ was all smiles. Afterwards we ate at Philips French Dip!