Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Balance - Competition Versus Having Fun

by Teresa Fackrell


As we head into another weekend of high school rodeo, I find myself asking the same question.  What is the right balance of kids practicing, competing and being at the top of their game for the  rodeo and your kids having fun and enjoying it?


For example, every Friday night after the rodeo the kids have a dance. This is fun for them.  They love to hang out with all of their friends.  However, the dance usually gets over at midnight. By the time they get in and get to bed it is about 1 a.m.  Then on Saturday, they need to get up early and get the horses fed and get ready to compete.  So they are little more tired when they are competing on Saturday.  As we all know being tired makes your reaction time a little slower and when you are going for a 2 second breakaway run even a blink of an eye makes a difference.


As a mom, you always want your kids to do their best.  You know they have the ability to perform.    Sometimes,  they can out ride and out rope you.  However, you want them to have great memories of their time in high school. 


So how do you find the balance?  What is the best thing for them?  To rodeo at their highest level or to also be kids and enjoy their time traveling, competing and socializing?

3 comments:

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  2. Dan says let them go. He thinks cowboy prom is awesome.

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  3. I think te older they get the more that responsibility shold shift to them. A mature 17-18 year old can definitley handle a late night better than most younger kids. It has been researched in other sports that a good nights sleep 2 nights before the activity is the best. Even when in bed early the night before a big performance they are often too anxious to sleep well.
    Casy

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