Learning to Play Basket Ball

Today I took my son for a basket ball program. It is a toddler sport program for kids between the ages of 3 and 5.  Morning , at home , was very very busy.........no surprises here J J. All along the way I kept telling my son , what many of you must be saying too.............Follow the instructions , don't look at other kids , wait your turn and yes , I did tell him that I love him soooo much.

We arrived there well in time. First my son looked completely lost. Then they tossed a ball at him and well, he acted like he doesn't know what to do with the ball. When some other kids arrived and he realized that we are going to stay back, he decided to join the fun. They exercised a little bit , dribbled the ball around and even made a few shots at the basket.

 I decided to write about today's experiences because many mothers like myself struggle with making our children recognize and understand the importance of following instructions or to stay focussed during classes, story times or even school . After the class , I  did a bit of self reflection today . I genuinely see that my son is paying a lot more attention and is at least trying to follow instructions. He still gets distracted when his friends are doing more interesting stuff in the class or during story time. However ,  I definitely realize that he is a lot better in listening and following instructions and that he will get even better as he grows older. I decided to write about this today because many of you have toddlers even younger than my son and are worried that they don't sit through story time at library or simply that they don't seem to follow any instructions. I know this feeling of frustration and fear. I have gone through those days myself and thus I want to reassure you that this is a phase which shall pass soon. As far as I can understand kids are not necessarily intimidated by teachers/coach. For them what their friend is doing or telling them is sometimes more important than what their teacher is telling. I can see that my son is beginning to understands that he needs to follow instructions and that he can play with his friends once the class is over. Another thing that is perhaps working for us is that my son has started recognizing the rewards of good behavior. I suggest that you vocally appreciate good behavior. Even a simple thing like telling your husband over the phone that your child was very good during the class is enough to excite your toddler and for him to  recognize that his good behavior is truly appreciated. My husband usually speaks over the phone with my son after the class and tells him how proud he is of him. He usually gets a cheese string or even a small eraser when returning from work to show Utkarsh how much we appreciate his efforts. Children are wonderful. They don't expect expensive rewards, a heartfelt hug or high five is enough to motivate them.

Also let us all be realistic. It is difficult for toddlers to sit through an entire hour or even 45 minutes without any distraction. My son's teacher often tells me that it is common for toddlers to be a little distracted at the start and end of the class. They usually settle down and participate most actively during the middle of the class. That is why classes are designed such that  in the early part, usually children are engaged in warm up activities. In the middle phase , the most productive learning happens and then there is a winding up routine so that the restless toddlers know that they are soon going to have their freedom back. I also realize that toddlers like routine. They get accustomed to routine and do a lot better after a few classes in any session.

So here is my big reassuring message.........your child will listen better, follow instructions and concentrate better as they grow. Be realistic but don't give up. Your constant talk is not going waste. Remember they are listening to every word you say..........they just  want to choose when to put them to practice JJ.

Do let me know how you deal with similar situations...